The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers linked to the alleged killing of Anthony Obodo, a resident of Port Harcourt.
Police Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju announced the dismissal on Wednesday while parading the officers in Port Harcourt.
Adepoju said the incident happened on August 27, around 5:30pm, when a patrol team from Agip Division, led by Fabian Banabari, was returning from a special duty at Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
According to him, the officers spotted a black, fully tinted Lexus and tried to stop it. The driver allegedly sped away, leading to a chase. During the pursuit, Alfred Louis, a corporal, allegedly opened fire and hit the driver.
“The victim was immediately rushed to Palmars hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was attended to and subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” Adepoju said.
He said the three officers were arrested and investigated, while Inspector Solomon Nwogu, who allegedly fled after the incident, remained at large.
“Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the complicity of the police involved, they have been tried in an orderly room with the other officer at large and recommended for dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force.”
Adepoju said the officers would face criminal charges in court.
He added that the command would not shield officers who break the law.
“The action taken against these officers demonstrates that the Nigerian Police Force will not shield personnel who abuse the powers entrusted to them or act contrary to the law and professional standards of the force. Let me reiterate that no police officer is above the law. Let me reassure you that the case will be charged to court,” he added.
