Two policemen remanded over death of Uniport graduate in Port Harcourt
Two Police Officers Remanded Following Alleged Killing of University Graduate
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Two police officers have been ordered to remain in custody at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre following their dismissal in connection with the shooting death of Anthony Obodo, a 22-year-old graduate of the University of Port Harcourt.
The order was issued Thursday by a Port Harcourt Magistrates’ Court. Corporal Alfred Louis and Police Constable Michael Ejekwu appeared in court under a remand warrant related to the incident that occurred on August 27 at Ada George Junction.
Obodo’s death has led to growing public outcry and protests from his family, demanding accountability. He was reportedly shot after failing to stop when police officers signaled for him to pull over. Witnesses claim that one of the officers fired at Obodo’s vehicle, causing it to veer off course and strike three bystanders.
In total, four officers have been dismissed in relation to the case, which includes Assistant Superintendent of Police Fabian Kpeanabari and Inspector Solomon Nworgu. While Kpeanabari was not present in court, reports indicate that Nworgu remains at large.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Chief Magistrate Helen Hardy opted not to read the charges and no pleas were entered before she ordered the remand of Louis and Ejekwu. The magistrate also directed that the case file be forwarded to the Chief Registrar for reassignment and has scheduled the next court appearance for September 22, at which point the officers may enter their pleas and the case can proceed.
Chinedu Maduba, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Port Harcourt Branch, expressed concerns outside the courtroom regarding the limited group of officers present. Maduba stated that only two of the four dismissed officers were brought before the court despite the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death. He further clarified that Kpeanabari’s case requires additional approval from the Police Service Commission before legal proceedings can commence.
The incident has prompted significant unrest in the community, with ongoing demands for justice from Obodo’s family. His father, Princewill Obodo, alleges that the officers involved were previously assigned as security during the Nigerian Bar Association conference at Yakubu Gowon Stadium before being redeployed to the area where the tragedy occurred.
