Rivers Police Fire Four Officers Over Student’s Killing

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed four officers over the killing of a student, Anthony A. Obodo, during a police pursuit in Port Harcourt, with the personnel now set to face criminal prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, made the disclosure on Wednesday at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, declaring that the Command would not protect officers found to have abused their powers.

The dismissed personnel are ASP Fabian Kpeanabari, Inspector Solomon Nwrogu, Corporal Alfred Louis and Police Constable Michael Ejokwu.

Adepoju said trouble began on August 27 when a patrol team from Agip Division attempted to stop a tinted Lexus vehicle, registration number ABU-376-TM, after sighting it while returning from a special duty at Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
He said the driver allegedly refused to stop and sped away, leading to a chase during which Corporal Louis opened fire.

A bullet struck the driver, Anthony Obodo, who was rushed to Palmer’s Hospital but later died from his injuries.

The police chief said three officers were immediately detained at the SCID, while Inspector Nwrogu, who allegedly fled after the incident, was subsequently declared wanted within the investigation.

According to him, the investigation established the culpability of the officers. They were subjected to an orderly room trial and recommended for dismissal.

Adepoju said the officers had been dismissed and would be charged to court, stressing that police personnel were not above the law.

He said the action was intended to demonstrate the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights.

The Commissioner also announced a major breakthrough in the police crackdown on one-chance robbery syndicates, with five suspects arrested and a suspected operational vehicle recovered.

The suspects—Nelson Idakiniseleg ha, Michael Matthew, Kelly Edison, Daniel Obodo and Chisom Unegbu—were allegedly operating across several parts of Port Harcourt.

Police said the suspects were linked to robbery activities along Aba Road, East-West Road, Choba, NTA Road, Garrison, Rumuola, Air Force and Rumuokwurusi axes.

A black-and-white mini-bus, registration number RGM 823 XE, was recovered from the suspects, alongside 16 mobile phones allegedly taken from victims.

The police further alleged that one of the suspects specialised in removing SIM cards from victims and using them to gain unauthorised access to their bank accounts.

Adepoju said investigations were continuing, with the Command working to identify other members of the syndicates, locate victims and recover stolen property.

He assured Rivers residents that the police would sustain operations against violent crime across the state, while urging the public to promptly report suspicious activities.

The Commissioner appealed to residents not to resort to jungle justice, saying suspected criminals should be handed over to the police to face the law.