The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured the family of late Inspector Ikechukwu Obodo that those responsible for the officer’s death will be tracked down and brought to justice, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force.
Inspector Obodo, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree holder, died after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver along Bisala Road, Enugu, on July 5, 2026.
During a condolence visit to the bereaved family on behalf of the Command, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Oliver Odimega, the Commissioner expressed sympathy to the officer’s wife, children and relatives, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to apprehending the fleeing driver.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing driver,” Giwa said, adding that the police share in the family’s grief over the tragic and avoidable death of the officer.
He described Inspector Obodo’s passing as “a deeply tragic loss to the Nigeria Police Force, his family, friends, and colleagues,” and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul while asking God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
The police explained that preliminary investigations revealed the deceased was travelling to his duty post at about 7 p.m. when the commercial bus conveying him failed to stop at his designated bus stop near Pascan Jake Bus Stop on Bisala Road, dropping him a few metres ahead instead.
According to the Command, the development led to an altercation between the officer and the bus driver after they both alighted from the vehicle.
While the disagreement was ongoing, an unidentified speeding vehicle allegedly struck Inspector Obodo and fled the scene. The commercial bus driver also reportedly drove away immediately after the incident.
Passers-by alerted operatives of the New Haven Police Division, who rushed the victim to Parklane Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were later deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.
The Command also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the deceased was hit by a government or security convoy.
“Investigations have not established that the late officer was struck by a government or security convoy vehicle. However, efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing driver remain firmly on course,” the Commissioner stated.
The statement was issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
