Four police officers have been dismissed by the Rivers State Police Command over their alleged involvement in the shooting death of University of Port Harcourt graduate Anthony Obodo.
The decision was disclosed by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Obodo died after he was allegedly shot in the Ada George area, close to Agip Junction, last Thursday.
Giving an account of what led to the incident, Adepoju said officers on patrol had attempted to stop a vehicle allegedly driven by Obodo. The driver reportedly failed to pull over, prompting the patrol team to pursue the vehicle.
The commissioner said Corporal Alfred Louis, who was part of the patrol team, allegedly discharged his firearm during the pursuit, fatally hitting Obodo.
Following an investigation into the incident, the command concluded that the officers involved were culpable and subjected them to disciplinary proceedings, which resulted in their dismissal.
Adepoju assured residents that the police would not shield personnel found to have acted unlawfully.
He said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property while upholding professionalism, human rights and accountability.
In a separate development, the police announced the arrest of five people suspected of belonging to a one-chance robbery gang that allegedly targets residents in Port Harcourt and nearby communities.
Those arrested include Nelson Idakiniseleg, 30, popularly known as Mandela; Michael Matthew, 29, known as Pilot; Kelly Edison, 30, alias BTC; Daniel Obodo, 18, also known as Mazi; and Chisom Unegbu, 28, alias Favour.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended during intelligence-led operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit.
The operation followed complaints concerning one-chance robberies within the Port Harcourt metropolitan area, according to the police.
The command said further investigations would determine the suspects’ level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities.
