…Motorist dies, two passers-by injured in Rivers shooting

The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into a fatal shooting involving a police officer and a motorist, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command.

The Command said the incident occurred on August 27, 2026, following an altercation involving a police officer, identified as Corporal Alfred Louis, and a man identified as Anthony Obodo.

According to Agabe, preliminary information released by the police, the disagreement escalated into a physical scuffle between the two men, during which a firearm was discharged.

Obodo was fatally injured in the incident, while two other passers-by also sustained injuries, the Command disclosed.

The police statement did not, however, provide further details on what triggered the confrontation, who discharged the weapon or the exact circumstances that preceded the fatal shooting, saying the matter remained under investigation.

The incident subsequently triggered an angry reaction from people at the scene, with the police alleging that CPL Louis was attacked and assaulted by a mob.

The officer reportedly sustained multiple injuries during the attack.

Rather than leaving the circumstances surrounding the shooting to speculation, the Rivers Police Command said it had taken the matter up for investigation and moved the officer and members of his team to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

The Command said the officers would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law if investigations establish wrongdoing.

In a significant statement on police accountability, the Command said it would not shield personnel whose actions violate professional standards or damage the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.

It described the alleged conduct in the incident as “totally condemnable”, insisting that it did not represent professional policing.

The Command said it remained committed to ensuring that police personnel operated within the law and adhered to established standards in their interactions with citizens.

It further warned that officers found to have engaged in unethical or unlawful conduct would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures.

The police also acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, particularly the death of the occupant and injuries sustained by two other members of the public.

However, with investigations still ongoing, the Command stopped short of making a final determination on the circumstances of the shooting.

The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events, determine how the firearm was discharged and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death of Obodo and injuries to the two passers-by.

The Command’s reaction comes amid growing public attention generated by the viral video, which has triggered questions about police conduct and the use of firearms during encounters with members of the public.

While assuring the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, the Command reiterated that it would take strict disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.

Meanwhile, Youths took to the streets around Agip Junction and Ada George in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, protesting the alleged shooting of a motorist by a police officer.

The protesters, who demanded justice for the alleged victim, also called on the Rivers State Government and the police authorities to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

In a viral video seen by our correspondent, the youths were heard expressing anger over the incident and insisting that the matter should not be swept under the carpet.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 5pm on Thursday after the motorist allegedly failed to stop when he was flagged down by police officers at the junction.

An eyewitness claimed that one of the officers subsequently opened fire at the vehicle, hitting the driver.

According to the eyewitness, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle after being shot and crashed into three persons.

The eyewitness further alleged that the officer fired additional shots as he attempted to leave the scene.

The development reportedly angered youths in the area, who confronted the officer and allegedly seized his firearm before assaulting him.

The situation was said to have escalated until other police officers arrived at the scene and took the officer away.