The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers allegedly linked to the killing of Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, in the Ada George area of Port Harcourt last Thursday. The dismissal followed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over police conduct in the state.
The command also declared an inspector, identified as Solomon Nworgu, who was allegedly part of the patrol team and fled the scene after the shooting, a deserter, saying efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this while parading the three dismissed officers before journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Niger Delta Herald Metro reported that Obodo was allegedly shot by a police patrol team after the officers flagged down his vehicle around the Ada George area of Agip Junction in Port Harcourt.
One of the officers, identified as Corporal Alfred Louis, reportedly fired three shots at the vehicle on the allegation that Obodo refused to stop. One of the bullets hit Obodo, leading to his death.
Adepoju said the three officers were subjected to an orderly room trial after they were arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Port Harcourt.
He said the investigation established the culpability of the officers involved in the incident.
Adepoju said, “I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo, a student, following a police pursuit and unfortunate shooting incident, as well as the arrest of suspected members of a one-chance robbery syndicate operating within Port Harcourt and its environs.
“Let me state clearly that the Rivers State Police Command places a high premium on professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.
“Where allegations of misconduct or criminality are made against police personnel, we will not shield any officer found to have acted outside the law under my watch.”
The CP said the patrol team had given Obodo’s vehicle a chase before Louis allegedly opened fire.
He added, “During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, who is attached to the patrol team, opened fire at the vehicle and a bullet hit the driver, identified as Anthony A. Obodo, who sustained a gunshot injury.
“The victim was immediately rushed to Palmer’s Hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was attended to and subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.”
Adepoju said the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the SCID, where a comprehensive investigation was conducted.
He added, “Efforts were also intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nwrogu, who reportedly absconded following the incident.
“Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved, the command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved.
“The officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.”
The police commissioner said the disciplinary action demonstrated the command’s position that misconduct, abuse of office, excessive use of force and violation of the law by police personnel would not be tolerated under his leadership.
Adepoju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, respect for human rights and service to the people.
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