UNIPORT Graduate: Father Alleges Police Officers Were Paid to Kill His Son
Subtitle: The father of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate is demanding justice after his son was fatally shot during a police encounter in Port Harcourt.
Tension has continued in Port Harcourt following the death of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt. His death has triggered protests and renewed demands for accountability, with his family questioning the circumstances surrounding the police shooting.
Anthony’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged that the police officers involved had been paid to kill his son. He reportedly told journalists that the officers were initially deployed to provide security at a Nigerian Bar Association conference in Elekahia before being moved to the area where Anthony was shot. These allegations have not been established by a court.
According to reports, the incident occurred on a Thursday afternoon after Anthony allegedly failed to stop when flagged down by police officers. One officer reportedly fired at the vehicle, after which Anthony lost control of the car and it struck three people. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
The incident sparked protests by youths around Agip Junction and Ada George, with demonstrators calling for justice. Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju reportedly visited the area, condemned the shooting and assured protesters that the matter would be properly investigated. He also confirmed that the officers involved had been taken into custody.
Anthony’s family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into his death. The case has also intensified wider discussions about police accountability and the need for proper procedures during encounters between officers and civilians. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances and determine whether any criminal or disciplinary action is warranted.
