Two Cops Remanded Over UNIPORT Graduate's Murder

The Rivers State Police Command has brought two police officers to court. They are facing charges over the killing of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.

The officers, Corporal Alfred Louis and Corporal Michael Ejekwu, appeared before a magistrate’s court in Port Harcourt. They were then remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.

Anthony Obodo was shot dead on August 27, 2026, near the Ada George Junction in Port Harcourt.

The two officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force due to their involvement in the incident. They were the only ones arraigned, while two other officers linked to the killing were absent. These include Fabian Kpeanabari and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Solomon Nwogu, who is said to be on the run.

During the court session on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Helen Hardy did not read the charges to the officers, and they did not enter any plea. Instead, the magistrate ordered that Louis and Ejekwu remain at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.

Hardy also directed that the case file be sent to the Chief Registrar for reassignment. She adjourned the case until September 22, 2026, for the officers to enter their pleas and for possible trial.

Outside the courtroom, Dr Chinedu Maduba, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, expressed disappointment that only two officers were brought to court. He mentioned that he contacted the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to understand why the Assistant Superintendent of Police was missing.

Maduba said, "We were not pleased when we saw two of the police personnel instead of three that have been in custody."

He continued, "Immediately after the proceedings, I reached out to the Commissioner of Police to inquire why two instead of three were here. He explained that the ASP's dismissal needs approval from the Police Service Commission before he can be taken to court."

Maduba added, "That is why he was not brought to court. The Commissioner assured me that he and the Inspector-General of Police are in contact to fast-track the dismissal, so he can be brought to court."

The police commissioner told Maduba that the dismissal process might take a week instead of the usual two to three months.

Maduba said, "We are still monitoring this situation. We will follow this matter until justice is served for everyone involved, including those facing charges. They deserve a fair trial, and we want to ensure that no innocent citizens are harmed. That is why we are here."

PUNCH Metro reported that the arraignment happened just a day after the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, showed three officers linked to the case to journalists at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Adepoju said that the fourth officer who allegedly ran away would also be punished like the others. He added that this officer has already been declared a deserter.