The Rivers State Police Command sacks four officers after fatal shooting of a University of Port Harcourt graduate awaiting his deployment to the National Youth Service Corps as the Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju vows not to shield any officer who breaches the law
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed four police personnel found culpable in the death of a student, Anthony Obodo, during an encounter at Agip Junction by Ada George, Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner of Police, (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The affected officers are (ASP) Fabian Kpeanabari, Inspector Solomon Nworgu, Corporal Alfred Louis, and Police Constable Michael Ejokwu. CP Adepoju said they had been subjected to disciplinary proceedings, found culpable, and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force. They will also be charged to court to face criminal prosecution.
Giving details of the incident, the CP said, “On July 30, 2025 at about 1730hrs, a patrol team from Agip Division led by ASP Fabian Kpeanabari was returning from a special duty at Yakubu Gowon Stadium when they sighted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle with registration number ABU-376-TM. The team attempted to stop the vehicle but it allegedly sped off, prompting a chase.
During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis opened fire at the vehicle. A bullet struck the driver, identified as Anthony A. Obodo, a student, who sustained a gunshot injury.
The victim was rushed to Palmer’s Hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.”
CP Adepoju added that three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Port Harcourt. Efforts were also intensified to arrest Inspector Solomon Nworgu, who reportedly absconded after the incident. He has since been apprehended.
Speaking further, the Commissioner said,“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of Anthony Obodo, as well as the arrest of suspected members of a ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate operating within Port Harcourt and environs.
Let me state clearly that the Rivers State Police Command places a high premium on professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of lives and property.
Where allegations of misconduct or criminality are made against police personnel, we will not shield any officer found to have acted outside the law under my watch. At the same time, we will ensure that every investigation is conducted professionally, fairly, and objectively, so that justice is served.
“I sincerely condole with the family at this trying period and reaffirm that the needful will be done to ensure justice is served.” He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and transparency, and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, and criminal activities to the police. He also cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile, the conduct of some armed security personnel, particularly police officers, has once again come under scrutiny following a tragic shooting at Agip Junction in Port Harcourt that claimed the life of a young graduate.
Eyewitness confirmed that the deceased, Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt awaiting his NYSC call-up, was driving a vehicle when he allegedly failed to stop after being flagged down by officers stationed at the junction.
“At about 5pm, the police officers stopped a man who was driving, but he refused to stop. So, the policeman shot him from behind, and the bullet pierced his chest. He died,” an eyewitness said.
It was gathered that the officer fired three shots. The vehicle reportedly lost control and rammed into three pedestrians, leaving them injured. After shooting the driver, the officer allegedly began shooting sporadically while attempting to flee.
An angry mob apprehended him, seized his gun, and assaulted him before other police officers arrived to rescue him.
The deceased was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead later. The condition of the three other victims remains unknown. Anthony Obodo was from Ndele in Emohua LGA of Rivers State.
The family of the deceased condemned an online allegations, the father of the deceased, Mr. Princewill Obodo, expressed outrage at social media posts and bloggers who insinuated that his son was involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
He described the claims as “reckless, wicked and unprofessional,” and asked, “Assuming without conceding that he is a Yahoo boy, is that enough justification to kill him?”
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, (ASP) Agabe Blessing Karbolo, the Command said it was aware of a video circulating on social media showing a police officer allegedly shooting at a motorist.
The statement revealed that a preliminary report indicated there was an altercation and a scuffle between Obodo and the officer, which led to the discharge of a firearm and the subsequent death of the victim. Two other passersby were also injured.
