Three officers connected to the murder of Anthony Obodo, a University of Port Harcourt graduate, in the Ada George neighborhood of Port Harcourt last Thursday have been fired by the Rivers State Police Command.
Additionally, the command labeled Solomon Nworgu, an inspector who was purportedly a member of the patrol team and left the site following the shooting, a deserter, stating that efforts were still being made to capture him.
This was revealed on Wednesday when Olugbenga Adepoju, the state commissioner of police, paraded the three fired officers in front of reporters in Port Harcourt.
A police patrol squad allegedly shot Obodo after stopping his car in the Ada George neighborhood of Agip Junction in Port Harcourt.
According to reports, Corporal Alfred Louis, one of the cops, fired three rounds at the car when Obodo allegedly refused to stop. Obodo was killed when one of the bullets struck him.
Adepoju stated that following their arrest and detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt, the three officers underwent an orderly room trial.
According to him, the inquiry proved the officers’ guilt.
“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,” stated Adepoju.
“Let me be very clear: professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the safety of people and property are highly valued by the Rivers State Police Command.
“Any officer found to have broken the law while under my supervision will not be protected when accusations of misconduct or criminality are made against police personnel.”
According to the CP, the patrol unit pursued Obodo’s car before Louis reportedly started shooting.
“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,” he continued.
“The victim was taken to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt right away, where he was treated and later declared dead by the attending physician.”
According to Adepoju, the three patrol team members were apprehended right away and held in the SCID until a thorough investigation was carried out.
“Efforts were also intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nwrogu, who reportedly absconded following the incident,” he continued.
“The command has taken necessary disciplinary action against the police personnel involved when the inquiry was completed and the officers’ guilt was established.
“The officers being paraded today will face charges in court after being dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.”
The command’s stance that misbehavior, abuse of office, excessive use of force, and legal violations by police officers will not be accepted under his leadership was indicated by the disciplinary action, according to the police commission.
The command’s dedication to professionalism, responsibility, openness, respect for human rights, and public service was reiterated by Adepoju.
