Shooting of UNIPORT graduate Anthony Obodo in Port Harcourt has led to the dismissal of three police officers, who are expected to face criminal prosecution.
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed three officers found culpable in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) graduate, Anthony Obodo, in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the disciplinary action on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The three dismissed officers were identified as ASP Fabian Kpeanabari, Corporal Alfred Louis and Police Constable Michael Ejokwu. They are expected to be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction to face criminal proceedings arising from the incident.
The development followed an orderly room trial and investigation into the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death on August 27, 2026.
According to the police account, a patrol team from the Agip Division was returning from a special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium when it sighted a black, fully tinted Lexus vehicle.
The officers reportedly attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly failed to stop and sped away, prompting the patrol team to give chase.
During the pursuit, Corporal Louis allegedly opened fire at the vehicle, with a bullet striking the driver, identified as Anthony Obodo.
Obodo sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to a hospital in Port Harcourt, where he was later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Following the incident, the police arrested members of the patrol team and commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Adepoju said the investigation established the culpability of the officers involved, leading to their trial through orderly room proceedings and subsequent dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the affected officers would not be shielded from the criminal justice process and would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also disclosed that Inspector Solomon Nworgu, another member of the patrol team, allegedly absconded after the incident and was being sought by the police. The Nigerian Bar Association separately confirmed that the internal disciplinary process had resulted in the dismissal of three officers, while criminal proceedings are still pending.
The police command’s decision followed growing calls for accountability over Obodo’s death. The Nigerian Bar Association had engaged the Rivers State Police Command, the deceased’s family and other stakeholders over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NBA said the dismissal of the officers marked the conclusion of the internal disciplinary process but stressed that the criminal justice process was yet to be completed.
Adepoju assured Obodo’s family that the command would do everything within its powers to ensure that justice was served.
He also reaffirmed that the Rivers State Police Command would not protect personnel who abuse their powers or act contrary to the law.
“No police officer is above the law,” the commissioner said, while reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.
The case has renewed attention on police accountability and the need for strict adherence to professional standards during law-enforcement operations.
As the dismissed officers prepare to face criminal proceedings, the search for Inspector Nworgu continues, while the family of the late Anthony Obodo awaits further developments in the pursuit of justice.
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