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The Rivers State Police Command has detained a team of officers following the fatal shooting of a motorist, Anthony Obodo, during an altercation in Port Harcourt.
The command's spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Friday, describing the incident as regrettable and assuring the public of a thorough investigation.
According to Agabe, the incident occurred on Thursday after a disagreement between Obodo and a police officer escalated into a physical confrontation.
She said preliminary findings indicated that the scuffle led to the discharge of a firearm by one of the officers, with the bullet striking Obodo, who died from the injury.
Two other passers-by were also hit during the incident and sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The spokesperson identified the officer who allegedly fired the shot as Corporal Alfred Louis, noting that he was attacked by an angry mob immediately after the incident and suffered multiple injuries.
She said Louis was receiving medical attention, while he and other members of his team had been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continued.
Agabe stressed that the investigation would determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure that any officer found culpable faced appropriate disciplinary action in line with the law.
She condemned the killing, stating that the alleged conduct fell short of the standards of professionalism expected of police officers.
The police spokesperson also reiterated the command's commitment to accountability, saying it would not shield officers involved in unlawful or unethical conduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
She assured residents that the investigation would be transparent and conducted in line with established legal and disciplinary procedures.
The incident triggered protests in parts of Rivers State on Friday, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel to affected areas to restore calm and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
