The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three police officers found culpable in the shooting that led to the death of a student, Anthony Obodo, during a police pursuit on August 27, 2026, along Ada George Road Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters, Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Adepoju said the officers involved had been tried in an orderly room and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force after investigations established their culpability. He said the dismissed officers would also be charged to court to face appropriate criminal charges, stating that no officer is above the law.
According to him, the incident occurred when a patrol team attempted to stop a vehicle during a routine operation, prompting a chase after the vehicle failed to stop.
“During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis, who was attached to the patrol team, opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Obodo, the driver. The victim was rushed to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was treated before he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty,” the CP said.
The commissioner said three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, while efforts were made to apprehend Inspector Solomon Nworgu, who allegedly fled after the incident.
“The action taken against these officers demonstrates that the Nigeria 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,” he said.
The CP also told journalists that operatives of the command arrested five suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate allegedly operating in Port Harcourt and its environs.
The suspects were identified as Nelson Idakiniselegha, 30, also known as Mandela; Michael Matthew, 29, a.k.a. Pilot; Kelly Edison, 30, a.k.a. BTC; Daniel Obodo, 18, a.k.a. Mazi; and Chisom Unegbu, 28, a.k.a. Favour.
The CP said the arrests followed a directive to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify intelligence-led operations against one-chance robbery syndicates following repeated reports of attacks across the metropolis.
“On 18th August 2026 at about 0245hrs, stormed a suspected criminal hideout within Niger Street, Port Harcourt, where one Nelson Idakiniseleg ha ‘M’, AKA Mandela, aged 30 years, was arrested. During interrogation, the suspect, who hails from Nkoro Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, confessed to being a member of a five-man one- chance robbery syndicate.
“The suspect further disclosed the existence of another (4) four-man one-chance robbery syndicate operating along Garrison, Aba Road, Rumuola, Air Force, Rumuokwurusi, Obiri-Ikwerre and Choba axes of Port Harcourt.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Michael Matthew `M’, AKA Pilot, aged 29 years, on 23rd August 2026 at about 2230hrs. The suspect was identified as a member of the Iceland cult group and the ring leader of one of the syndicates operating around Aba Road, East-West Road, Choba and NTA Road axes of Port Harcourt.
“Similarly, Kelly Edison ‘M’, AKA BTC, aged 30 years and Daniel Obodo ‘M’, AKA Mazi, aged 18 years, were arrested at their respective hideouts in connection with the alleged one-chance robbery syndicates. During investigation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities.
“Investigation further revealed that Nelson Idakiniselegha, the first suspect, specialized in extracting SIM cards from victims and using same to facilitate unauthorized withdrawals from victims’ bank accounts.
“On 24th August 2026, at about 13:20hrs, one Chisom Unegbu ‘M’, AKA Favour, aged 28 years, identified as the driver of the syndicate, was arrested in an Hotel at Aker Road, Port Harcourt,” the CP stated.
Adepoju mentioned that exhibits recovered from the suspects include; black-and-white mini-bus with registration number RGM 823 XE, allegedly used by the syndicate, and 16 assorted mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from victims.
The commissioner said investigations were continuing, with police working to identify other members of the syndicates, trace their victims and recover additional proceeds of crime.
“We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for one-chance robberies, kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related activities and other violent crimes within the state,” Adepoju said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, criminal activities and cases of police misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
The commissioner also advised residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to alert the police whenever criminal incidents occur.
“The Rivers State Police Command under my leadership remains committed to professionalism, accountability, transparency, respect for human rights and service to the people,” he stated.
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