A police corporal, Obagi Njok, has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead a businessman, Emmanuel Okocha.
This happened in response to the state’s residents of the Abiriba community in the Ohafia Local Government Area calling for justice over the alleged murder of Okocha in Aba by a trigger-happy police officer.
They claimed that on Friday, despite having complete vehicle documentation, businessman MCC Abayi-Aba was shot and killed by Nigeria Police Force officers from the Rapid Response Squad for allegedly refusing to bribe them.
Njok was assigned to the Abayi Police Division prior to the incident, according to a statement made public on Saturday by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the state police public relations officer.
The statement read in part, “The officer has been apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures have been initiated.
“Appropriate disciplinary actions and sanctions will be effected soonest, and he will face the full course of appropriate administrative and legal consequences.
“In this regard, representatives of the bereaved family and stakeholders will be carried along as the proceedings progress.”
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Chinaka commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
“The Abia State Police Command states that the incident is unfortunate and regrettable. The command uses this medium to publicly commiserate with the deceased’s family, friends, and well-wishers,” the statement read.
The PPRO reassured the locals that professionalism and the rule of law would always come first at the command.
“The Abia State Police Command remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and the rule of law.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of misconduct, unprofessionalism, and indiscipline among our officers,” he stated.
