PORT HARCOURT — Tension has continued to rise in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the reported police shooting that claimed the life of 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The incident has triggered protests and renewed calls for justice, with the deceased’s family demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Anthony’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged that the police officers involved in the incident were paid to kill his son.
Speaking to journalists, Obodo claimed that the officers were initially deployed to provide security at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, before they were allegedly moved to the area where Anthony was shot.
The bereaved father further alleged that police authorities who visited the family’s residence confirmed that Anthony was innocent.
He said the family had been left devastated by the incident and called on the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The development sparked protests on Monday as youths took to Agip Junction, Ada George, to express their anger over the killing.
The protesters reportedly blocked parts of the road and set tyres ablaze, disrupting traffic and movement in the area.
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The situation was later brought under control following the arrival of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.
Addressing the protesters, Adepoju condemned the incident and assured them that justice would be served.
The commissioner disclosed that the police officers allegedly involved in the shooting had been taken into custody.
He also said he had been in contact with Anthony’s father and disclosed that a meeting involving the family and the suspects would be held at the command headquarters.
According to reports, the incident occurred at about 5pm last Thursday after Anthony allegedly failed to stop when he was flagged down by police officers at the junction.
An eyewitness reportedly told journalists that one of the officers opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Anthony.
The gunshot reportedly caused him to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently hit three people.
The police have yet to publicly establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, while investigations are expected to determine what led to the fatal incident.
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