UPDATED: Police dismiss three officers over UNIPORT graduate killing

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three of its officers linked to the killing of a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Anthony Obodo, along Ada George in Port Harcourt last Thursday.

Also, the command said a member of the team, an inspector who fled after the shooting of the victim, has been declared a deserter.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this while parading the three officers before newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Recall that a police team reportedly flagged down Anthony Obodo at the Ada George axis of Agip junction in Port Harcourt last Thursday, even as one of them identified as Corporal Alfred Louis fired three shots in Anthony’s direction on allegations that he refused to stop, leading to his death.

Adepoju said the three arrested officers were subjected to an orderly room trial, adding that following the conclusion of an investigation and the establishment of the ‘culpability’ of the officers involved.

CP Adepoju stated, “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 ‘Male ‘, 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.

“Let me state clearly that the Rivers State Police Command places a 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. The patrol team consequently gave a chase.

“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,M, who sustained a gunshot injury.

“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 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 into the case was carried out, saying, “Efforts were also intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nwrogu, who reportedly absconded following the incident.

“Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved. On the incident involving the death of Anthony A. Obodo, I understand the concerns of his family and members of the public.

“The Command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved and the officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.”

The state Police boss said the disciplinary action demonstrates the command’s position under his watch that misconduct, abuse of office, excessive use of power and violation of the law by police personnel will not be tolerated.

Adepoju further said the command under his leadership remains committed to professionalism, accountability, transparency, respect for human rights and service to the people.