The Rivers State Police Command has arrested an inspector, Victor Okus, for allegedly shooting and killing his colleague, Inspector Ibrahim Sani, while injuring another officer during an incident in Port Harcourt.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, confirming that the suspect is currently in police custody.
According to the police, Okus, who is attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF) and was on special assignment at Intels Logistics Company, Onne, allegedly opened fire on his colleagues during an operation.
CSP Iringe-Koko said the incident occurred on January 18, at about 1:20 p.m., at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket, located in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
She explained that the deceased officer and another colleague, both attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel when the shooting took place.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Okus allegedly opened fire on his colleagues, who sustained gunshot injuries on the head and neck,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that the injured officers were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention, but Inspector Ibrahim Sani later died from the injuries he sustained.
According to the police spokesperson, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
She further disclosed that the second officer, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Iringe-Koko said the suspect would be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, noting that “the suspect will face an orderly room trial to ascertain the motive behind the shooting and will subsequently be charged to court for possible prosecution if found culpable.”
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, as ordering “a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”
Adepoju further cautioned officers entrusted with firearms to exercise utmost responsibility, stressing the need to prioritise the safety of colleagues and members of the public while on duty.
He emphasised that professionalism and discipline must always be upheld within the Force to prevent avoidable tragedies.
