The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers linked to the alleged killing of Anthony Obodo, a resident of Port Harcourt and reported graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Olugbenga Adepoju, the state Commissioner of Police, announced the dismissal on Wednesday while parading the officers in Port Harcourt.
According to Adepoju, the incident occurred on August 27 at about 5:30pm when a patrol team from the Agip Division, led by Fabian Banabari, was returning from a special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
He said the officers sighted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver allegedly sped away, prompting the team to give chase.
During the pursuit, Alfred Louis, a corporal attached to the patrol team, allegedly opened fire and hit the driver.
Adepoju said the victim was immediately taken to Palmars Hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was treated but later confirmed dead by a doctor.
The three officers were subsequently arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation. The police also intensified efforts to locate Inspector Solomon Nwogu, who allegedly absconded after the incident.
The commissioner said investigations established the officers’ complicity, leading to their trial in an orderly room and subsequent recommendation for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that the dismissed officers would be charged to court to face appropriate criminal charges.
Adepoju said the command would not shield officers who violate the law, stressing that professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of lives and property remained priorities.
He said the dismissal demonstrated the police command’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for misconduct.
“No police officer is above the law,” Adepoju said, assuring that the case would be prosecuted in court.