The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers linked to the death of Anthony Obodo, a resident of Port Harcourt, following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his fatal shooting.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the disciplinary action on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Port Harcourt while parading the officers.
While the police described Obodo as a student, media reports had identified him as a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Adepoju said the incident occurred on August 27, 2026, at about 5:30pm, when a patrol team from the Agip Division, led by Fabian Banabari, was returning from a special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
According to him, the officers sighted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver allegedly sped away, prompting the patrol team to give chase.
The commissioner said Alfred Louis, a corporal attached to the patrol team, allegedly opened fire during the pursuit, hitting the driver.
“The victim was immediately rushed to Palmars hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was attended to and subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” Adepoju said.
He said the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Port Harcourt, where a comprehensive investigation was conducted.
Adepoju added that efforts were also intensified to locate Inspector Solomon Nwogu, who allegedly absconded following the incident.
“Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the complicity of the police involved, they have been tried in an orderly room with the other officer at large and recommended for dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
“They will subsequently be charged to court to face the appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.”
The police commissioner said the command remained committed to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.
He stressed that the command would not shield personnel found to have violated the law, assuring that allegations of misconduct would be investigated fairly and professionally.
Adepoju said the dismissal of the officers demonstrated the police authorities’ commitment to holding personnel accountable for their actions.
“The action taken against these officers demonstrates that the Nigerian Police Force will not shield personnel who abuse the powers entrusted to them or act contrary to the law and professional standards of the force.
“Let me reiterate that no police officer is above the law. Let me reassure you that the case will be charged to court,” he added.
