Police arrest officer after motorist shot dead in Rivers State

The police in Rivers State have arrested an officer and his team after they allegedly shot a motorist, Anthony Obodo, during a confrontation in the area.

In a statement on its Facebook page on Friday, the police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said the incident took place on Thursday. Mr Obodo died, and two passersby were injured.

The police shared that early reports showed Mr Obodo got into an argument with one of the officers. This led to a fight where a gun was fired.

The officer, a corporal named Alfred Louis, was attacked by a mob and suffered several injuries, according to the police.

Ms Agabe mentioned that the officers involved are now in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). They will face disciplinary action based on the investigation's findings.

She called the alleged shooting “totally condemnable,” stating that such behavior does not represent good policing.

“The Rivers State Police Command is not a cover for anyone acting unethically or harming the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.

A video shared on Facebook shows mourners at what seems to be the home of the deceased. Two police officers were seen talking to Mr Obodo's relatives.

One officer appeared to admit that a police operative chased Mr Obodo on foot before firing his weapon. “That is exactly what happened. The next thing, he cocked his gun and fired,” the officer said.

However, a family member disputed this story, claiming that the police operatives had been drinking before they chased Mr Obodo.

The family is worried that the incident might later be labeled as an accidental discharge.

In reply, the police officer told the family that “there must be justice,” while asking them not to let their grief take over.

This incident comes at a time when there are many reports of police brutality and illegal use of guns in Nigeria.

In 2023, PREMIUM TIMES reported that police operatives were arrested in the state after a viral video showed them attacking a motorist. One officer was later demoted following an administrative trial.

In the same year, a police officer in Delta State was detained after allegedly shooting a man who did not pay N100 at a checkpoint. That officer was dismissed from service.

Recently, police in Delta arrested officers who were filmed shooting a handcuffed man in public. The Force Disciplinary Committee recommended their dismissal and prosecution after finding that the main officer acted unlawfully and broke the rules on using firearms.

The police in Rivers State stated that their investigation into the recent shooting will clarify what happened and what disciplinary actions will be taken against the involved officers.