Nigerians across the social media landscape have expressed widespread relief and excitement following the swift dismissal of three police officers linked to the tragic killing of Anthony Obodo, a recent graduate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
The incident, which occurred along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt last Thursday, sparked immediate public outrage before authorities took decisive action.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the dismissal while parading the three officers before newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He also revealed that a fourth member of the team—an inspector who fled the scene immediately after the shooting—has officially been declared a deserter.
According to CP Adepoju, the arrested officers underwent an accelerated internal disciplinary trial.
The process concluded swiftly following a thorough investigation that conclusively established their culpability in the unlawful shooting.
Addressing journalists during the parade, CP
Adepoju stated:
”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, a student, following a police pursuit and unfortunate shooting incident…
“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”.
According to preliminary reports, a police patrol team had flagged down Anthony Obodo at the Ada George axis of the Agip Junction in Port Harcourt last Thursday.
During the encounter, one of the officers—identified as Corporal Alfred Louis—fired three fatal shots in Anthony’s direction under the disputed claim that the young graduate had refused to stop.
The reckless use of force tragically cut short the promising life of the UNIPORT alumnus, triggering demands for justice that ultimately led to Wednesday’s disciplinary measures.
