FAMILY URGES IGP TO PROBE OFFICER’S DEATH IN ENUGU AS POLICE DISPUTE CONVOY CLAIM

The wife of the late police inspector, Dr Paul Ikechukwu Obodo, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to order a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Speaking with The Guardian by telephone yesterday, Mrs Ngozi Isiwu-Obodo said her husband, who held a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree and hailed from Nkpologu in Uzo-Uwani Local Council of Enugu State, was serving in the Operations Department of the Enugu State Police Command before his death.

She said eyewitnesses informed her that her husband was knocked down by a convoy along the New Haven–Bisala Road at about 7:00 p.m. on July 5, 2026, while on his way to work.

“Those who witnessed the incident said the convoy sped off after knocking him down, dragging his body for some distance along with his service rifle. I am devastated by his death and want the IGP to order a thorough investigation and ensure that the driver or those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.

Ngozi further alleged that since the incident, the Enugu State Police Command had neither contacted nor condoled with the family.

“My husband was a diligent officer who discharged his duties with dedication. The manner in which the state command has handled his death has added to our grief. That is why I am appealing to the IGP to intervene and unravel the circumstances surrounding his death,” she added.

The Enugu State Police Command had earlier confirmed the inspector’s death in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.

In the statement, Ndukwe debunked social media reports alleging that the deceased was killed by a police convoy, describing the claims as misleading.

Although he did not disclose the exact location or time of the fatal accident, the police spokesperson assured the public that a comprehensive investigation, was underway and that further details would be made available as the investigation progressed.

Describing the incident as tragic, Ndukwe pledged that the command would conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.

“Losing a police officer or any other person in such circumstances is deeply disheartening and must be thoroughly investigated. However, there is no evidence at this time to establish that a police convoy was involved in the fatal hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident,” he said.