Police detain officer over alleged shooting that killed motorist

The police in Rivers State have detained an officer and members of his team following the alleged shooting of a motorist, Anthony Obodo, during an altercation in the state.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, Blessing Agabe, said the incident occurred on Thursday and resulted in the death of Mr Obodo and injuries to two passersby.

Police give details

According to the police, preliminary information indicated that an altercation occurred between Mr Obodo and one of the police officers before a fracas ensued, during which a gun was fired.

The officer, identified as “Alfred Louis, a corporal, was subsequently attacked and assaulted by an angry mob, sustaining multiple injuries,” the police said.

Ms Agabe said the officers involved had been taken into custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and would face appropriate disciplinary action subject to the outcome of the investigation.

He described the alleged shooting as “totally condemnable,” saying the conduct did not reflect professionalism in policing.

“The Rivers State Police Command is not a shield for anybody engaging in unethical conduct or putting the Nigeria Police Force in disrepute,” the statement said.

Family demands justice

A video circulating on Facebook and referenced by the police shows mourners gathered at what appears to be the deceased’s family compound, where two police operatives were seen speaking with relatives.

One of the officers appeared to acknowledge that a police operative had pursued the deceased on foot before firing his weapon.

“That is exactly what happened. The next thing, he cocked his gun and fired,” the officer said.

A relative, however, challenged the account, alleging that the police operatives had been drinking before pursuing Mr Obodo.

The family also expressed concern that the incident could later be described as an accidental discharge.

In response, the police officer assured the family that “there must be justice,” while urging them not to allow grief to overwhelm them.

One of many cases

The latest incident comes amid several reports of alleged police brutality and unlawful use of firearms in Nigeria.

In 2023, PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of police operatives in the state after a viral video showed operatives assaulting a motorist. One of the officers was later demoted after an administrative trial.

The same year, a police officer in Delta State was detained after allegedly shooting a man who reportedly refused to pay N100 at a checkpoint. The officer was subsequently dismissed from service.

More recently, police in Delta arrested officers filmed publicly shooting a handcuffed man. The Force Disciplinary Committee later recommended their dismissal and prosecution after finding the principal officer had acted unlawfully and in violation of regulations governing the use of firearms.

The police in Rivers State said its investigation into the latest incident would determine what happened and the appropriate disciplinary measures against the officers involved.