Four Police Officers Fired for Killing Motorist

Four police officers involved in the shooting of a student and motorist, Anthony Obodo, during a chase in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have been fired from the Nigeria Police Force.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced this at a press briefing on Wednesday in Port Harcourt. He said the officers will also face criminal charges.

Mr Adepoju provided an update on the investigation into Mr Obodo's death. He stated that the investigation found the officers were involved in the shooting.

He said, "The officers had been tried in an orderly room trial and recommended for dismissal." An inspector linked to the case, who is still missing, will also face similar actions once arrested.

How Obodo Was Killed

Mr Obodo was shot on 27 August around 5:30 p.m. during a police chase involving officers from the Agip Division in Port Harcourt.

The police said the patrol team, led by an assistant superintendent, was returning from a special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium when they spotted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle.

The officers tried to stop the vehicle, but it sped off to avoid being checked. This led the patrol team to pursue it.

During the chase, Corporal Alfred Louis fired at the vehicle, hitting Mr Obodo. He was rushed to the hospital, but a doctor confirmed him dead.

The three patrol team members were arrested and held at the State Criminal Investigation Department for questioning.

The police also sought to arrest Solomon Nwogu, an inspector who reportedly fled after the incident.

'We Will Not Shield Any Officer'

Mr Adepoju stated that the police command in Rivers State values professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of life and property.

"Where allegations of misconduct are made against police operatives, we will not shield any officer found to have acted outside the law under my watch," he said.

He promised that the investigation would be conducted fairly and objectively to ensure justice is served.

The commissioner also expressed his condolences to Mr Obodo's family, saying, "I sincerely condole with the family at this trying period and reaffirm that we will make sure that justice is done."

This announcement comes after calls for justice regarding Mr Obodo’s death. His family and others are demanding accountability for what happened during the shooting.

The police commissioner’s statement is the latest update on the case. The fired officers are now expected to face criminal prosecution along with the disciplinary actions already taken against them.