Rivers Police Dismiss Three Officers Over Fatal Shooting of UNIPORT Graduate Anthony Obodo
Port Harcourt, September 3, 2026 — The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers linked to the killing of 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate Anthony Obodo and declared a fourth suspect wanted after he fled.
The young man, who was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps call-up, died from a gunshot wound sustained during a police pursuit on August 27.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju announced the disciplinary action on Wednesday while parading the dismissed officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
He said the men had been tried in an orderly room, found culpable, and would now face criminal charges in court.
What Happened on Ada George Road
According to the police account, a patrol team from Agip Division, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Fabian Kpeanabari, was returning from duty when it sighted a fully tinted Lexus vehicle driven by Obodo.
Officers attempted to stop the car at the Agip–Ada George junction. When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and sped away, the team gave chase.
During the pursuit, Corporal Alfred Louis opened fire. A bullet struck Obodo, who was rushed to Palmer’s Hospital in Port Harcourt and later pronounced dead by doctors.
Two other people were reportedly injured in the incident. The shooting triggered immediate public anger, with youths from Ndele community in Emohua Local Government Area and other areas protesting in the Agip section of the city.
The three officers arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department were ASP Fabian Kpeanabari, Corporal Alfred Louis, and Police Constable Michael Ejiekwu.
Inspector Solomon Nworgu, also linked to the team, absconded and has been declared a deserter and wanted.
Police Response and Public Reaction
CP Adepoju stressed that the command would not shield any personnel found to have acted outside the law. “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,” he said, adding that the force prioritizes professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.
The dismissal and planned prosecution come after days of protests and strong calls for justice from Obodo’s family and community.
His father, Princewill Obodo, had earlier demanded accountability and raised concerns about the circumstances of the shooting.
A Broader Test of Accountability
The case has once again focused attention on police use of force during traffic stops and pursuits in Nigeria. Obodo was a recent graduate preparing to begin national service—a life cut short just as it was about to enter a new chapter.
Police say a comprehensive investigation established the officers’ culpability. The three dismissed men are expected to face criminal trial, while efforts continue to locate and arrest the runaway inspector.
For many residents of Port Harcourt still shaken by the incident and the subsequent protests, the real measure of justice will be whether the court process delivers a clear and transparent outcome.
The Rivers State Police Command insists it is committed to that standard. The coming weeks will show whether the public agrees.
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