The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers over the alleged 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, September 2, saying the decision followed an orderly room trial conducted against the officers.
Adepoju said the incident occurred on August 27 when a police patrol team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Fabian Kpeanabari, reportedly flagged down Obodo, who was driving a tinted Lexus vehicle.
According to the police commissioner, the deceased allegedly failed to stop, prompting the patrol team to pursue the vehicle.
During the chase, Corporal Alfred Louis, a member of the patrol team, allegedly opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Obodo, who sustained a gunshot injury.
The 22-year-old, who was reportedly awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was immediately rushed to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was treated but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor.
Following the incident, the three members of the patrol team were arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt, where a comprehensive investigation was conducted.
The incident sparked protests in Rivers State, with youths from Ndele Community in Emohua Local Government Area and other parts of the state reportedly taking to the streets to demand justice.
Speaking on the development, Adepoju said the command would not protect any officer found to have acted outside the law.
He said the dismissed officers would subsequently be charged before a court to face appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.
The commissioner stressed that the action demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force 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,” Adepoju said.
He added: “Let me reiterate that no police officer is above the law.”
