The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers linked to the alleged killing of Anthony Obodo, a resident of Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the dismissal on Wednesday while parading the officers in Port Harcourt.

Although the police identified the deceased as a student, media reports described Obodo as a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Recounting the incident, Adepoju said that on August 27, at about 5:30 p.m., a patrol team from the Agip Police Division, led by Fabian Banabari, was returning from a special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium when the officers sighted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle.

According to him, the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly sped away, prompting the patrol team to pursue him.

Adepoju said that during the pursuit, Alfred Louis, a corporal attached to the patrol team, allegedly opened fire and hit 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,” the commissioner said.

He said the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Port Harcourt, where a comprehensive investigation was conducted.

Adepoju added that the command had intensified efforts to locate and arrest 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.

The commissioner said the dismissed officers would subsequently be charged to court to face appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law.

Adepoju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.

He stressed that the police would not shield any officer found to have violated the law, adding that allegations of misconduct would be investigated fairly and professionally.

“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.