The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers involved in the killing of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, saying the decision followed an orderly trial conducted on the officers and other suspects still at large.
On August 27, a police patrol team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Fabian Kpeanabari allegedly shot Anthony after he reportedly failed to stop when the officers flagged down the tinted Lexus car he was driving.
Anthony, who was awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was shot along the popular Ada George Road in Port Harcourt.
The incident sparked protests in the state, with youths from Ndele Community in Emohua Local Government Area and other areas taking to the streets around the Agip area of Port Harcourt.
Adepoju said the dismissed officers would be charged to court to face appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.
“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, ‘Male’, 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,” he said.
The CP said the command remained committed to 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,” he said.
According to Adepoju, the patrol team gave chase to Anthony after he allegedly failed to stop. During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, who was attached to the patrol team, allegedly opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Anthony.
“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.
He added that the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, where a comprehensive investigation was conducted.
Meanwhile, the police commissioner said efforts had been intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nworgu, who allegedly absconded following the incident.
Source: Rivers State Police Command
