Two police officers dismissed by the Rivers State Police Command over the alleged killing of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo have been arraigned and remanded in custody by a Magistrate’s Court in Port Harcourt.

The officers, Corporal Alfred Louis and Police Constable Michael Ejokwu—were brought before the court on a remand warrant over the August 27 shooting incident around Ada George Junction, Port Harcourt, which claimed the life of Obodo.

However, the arraignment fell short of what the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association expected, as only two of the four officers reportedly dismissed over the incident appeared before the court.

The other two officers are ASP Fabian Kreamabari and Inspector Solomon Nwrogu, with Nwrogu reportedly still at large.

At the sitting presided over by Chief Magistrate Helen Hardy, the charge was not read to the defendants and consequently, no plea was taken.

Rather, Magistrate Hardy ordered that the two accused officers be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

She also directed that the case file be sent to the Chief Registrar for reassignment, before adjourning the matter until September 22, 2026, for plea and possible trial.

The development has added a new dimension to a case that has already attracted considerable public attention, particularly over questions surrounding the circumstances of Obodo’s death and accountability for the officers involved.

Reacting to the development outside the courtroom, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Chinedu Maduba, expressed displeasure that only two of the four dismissed officers had been brought before the court.

Maduba’s concern centres on the fate of the remaining officers reportedly linked to the disciplinary action following the death of Obodo.

The NBA chairman said the development raised questions that required clarification, particularly regarding why all four officers reportedly dismissed in connection with the incident were not arraigned.

The case is now expected to return to court on September 22, when the two officers are expected to enter their pleas and further steps towards trial may be taken.