Three police officers allegedly involved in the killing of University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo, have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
Obodo, who was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letter, was shot dead along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said the dismissal followed the conclusion of investigations, which established the culpability of the officers involved.
According to him, the affected officers were tried in an orderly room, alongside another officer still at large, and were subsequently recommended for dismissal.
Adepoju said the dismissed officers will now be charged to court to face criminal prosecution in accordance with the law.
He said the action taken shows that the Nigeria Police Force will not shield personnel who abuse their powers or act contrary to 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, a student, following a police pursuit and unfortunate shooting incident,” he said.
“Let me state clearly that the Rivers State Police Command places 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.”
Narrating the incident, Adepoju said a police patrol team gave chase to Obodo, and during the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, a member of the team, opened fire at the vehicle, hitting the driver.
“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,” he said.
He said 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 carried out.
Adepoju added that efforts have been intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nwaogu, who reportedly absconded following the incident.
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