The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers over the k!lling of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo, a University of Port Harcourt graduate.
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Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju announced the decision at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Sept. 2, saying it followed an orderly trial involving the suspects and others still at large.
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Adepoju said a police patrol team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Fabian Kpeanabari shot Obodo on Aug. 27 after the victim, who was driving a tinted Lexus, allegedly refused to stop when flagged down. He said Obodo, who was waiting for his NYSC call-up letter, was shot dead along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt.
The killing triggered protests, with youths from Ndele in Emohua Local Government Area and other communities gathering at the Agip area of Port Harcourt.
Adepoju said the dismissed officers would be taken to court and charged in line with the law
“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the de@th 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.
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 patrol team consequently gave chase to the deceased, and 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 de@d by the doctor on duty.
The three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation, where a Department (SCID), Port-Harcourt, comprehensive investigation into the case was carried out.”
He mentioned that they will subsequently be charged to court to face the appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.
Adepoju mentioned that the action taken against these officers demonstrates that the Nigeria Police Force will not shield personnel who abuse the powers entrusted to them or act contrary to the law and professional standards of the Force.
‘’Let me reiterate that no police officer is above the law” he said
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