Rivers Police Dismiss Three Officers Over Killing of 22-Year-Old UNIPORT Graduate

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, saying the decision followed an orderly room trial conducted in connection with the incident.

Adepoju said the affected officers would subsequently be charged to court to face appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.

Obodo was shot on August 27, 2026, along the popular Ada George Road in Port Harcourt, during a police pursuit.

According to the police, the incident occurred after a patrol team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Fabian Kpeanabari, flagged down the deceased, who was driving a tinted Lexus vehicle, but allegedly failed to stop.

During the ensuing pursuit, the police said Corporal Alfred Louis, a member of the patrol team, opened fire at the vehicle, with a bullet striking Obodo.

The victim was subsequently rushed to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt for treatment but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

Adepoju said the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, where investigations into the incident were conducted.

He said the Command would not protect officers found to have acted outside the law.

“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo, ‘Male’, a student, following a police pursuit and unfortunate shooting incident,” Adepoju said.

“Let me state clearly that the Rivers State Police Command places a high premium on professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.

“Where allegations of misconduct or criminality are made against police personnel, we will not shield any officer found to have acted outside the law under my watch.”

The police commissioner said the patrol team had given chase to Obodo’s vehicle before Louis allegedly fired at the car.

“The patrol team consequently gave chase to the deceased, and during the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, who is attached to the patrol team, opened fire at the vehicle, and a bullet hit the driver identified as Anthony A. Obodo, who sustained a gunshot injury,” he said.

Adepoju said Obodo’s death triggered protests in parts of Port Harcourt, with youths from Ndele Community in Emohua Local Government Area and other areas taking to the streets to express their anger over the incident.

The deceased was reportedly awaiting his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letter before his death.

Meanwhile, the police command said efforts had been intensified to locate and arrest Inspector Solomon Nworgu, who allegedly absconded following the incident.

Adepoju said the dismissed officers would face criminal proceedings, while investigations and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect continued.