RIVERS POLICE DISMISS THREE OFFICERS OVER SHOOTING DEATH OF UNIPORT GRADUATE

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers found culpable in the shooting death of Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, during an incident at the Ada George area of Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the disciplinary action on Wednesday while parading the dismissed officers before journalists in Port Harcourt. He said the decision followed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death after a police patrol team reportedly pursued his vehicle in the Ada George area of the city.

The incident occurred on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when police officers reportedly flagged down Obodo’s vehicle around the Ada George-Agip Junction axis. According to the police account, the patrol team gave chase after the vehicle allegedly failed to stop.

During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, who was attached to the patrol team, reportedly fired at the vehicle. One of the bullets struck Obodo, who sustained a gunshot injury. He was immediately taken to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt for medical attention but was subsequently pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

The death sparked anger among Obodo’s family members, friends and members of the community, with protesters demanding justice and calling on the authorities to ensure that the police personnel allegedly responsible for the shooting were not shielded from prosecution. Demonstrators had also urged the Rivers State Government, police authorities and other relevant institutions to intervene in the matter.

Following the incident, the three members of the patrol team were arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt. The police command subsequently subjected the officers to an orderly room trial as part of its internal disciplinary process.

Adepoju said the investigation established the culpability of the officers involved, prompting the command to dismiss the three personnel from the Nigeria Police Force. He added that the dismissed officers would also be charged before a court to face appropriate criminal proceedings in accordance with the law.

The commissioner also disclosed that another officer identified as Inspector Solomon Nworgu, who was allegedly part of the patrol team, fled after the incident. The command has declared him a deserter and said efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.

Adepoju stressed that the disciplinary action was intended to demonstrate the command’s position that police personnel would not be protected when they act outside the law. He maintained that professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property remain priorities for the Rivers State Police Command.

The commissioner said the command would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of police powers, excessive use of force or other actions capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. He further assured residents that officers found to have violated the law would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary and legal procedures.

The dismissal comes after several days of public pressure over Obodo’s death. Family members and friends had staged protests at the location where he was shot, carrying placards demanding justice and questioning whether the police would properly investigate the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.

With three officers now dismissed and expected to face court proceedings, attention has shifted to the ongoing efforts to apprehend Inspector Nworgu and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police command said the actions taken against the officers reflect its commitment to accountability and its stated policy of not shielding personnel who violate the law.