A police officer has been detained by the Abia State Police Command on suspicion of killing Emmanuel Michael Okocha, an Abiriba native who was a businessman in Aba.
On Wednesday, April 17, Mr. Okocha was shot on the Aba-Owerri route in Aba. It was stated that he refused to bribe certain police officers even though he had a full driver’s licence.
He passed on Friday, April 19, in the hospital.
The Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, then petitioned to authorities, requesting that the accused shooter—an officer affiliated with the Nigerian Police Force’s Rapid Response Unit—be brought to justice.
The Abia State Police Command announced the officer’s arrest in a statement on Saturday, April 20, through its spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka.
She also disclosed that the appropriate disciplinary actions have commenced, and the offending party would be subject to the full range of legal repercussions.
The statement read: “The Abia State Police Command is aware of trending online news regarding the incident resulting in the death of Mr Emmanuel Okocha, shot by a police officer. The Command hereby issues the following statement for the purpose of informing the public.
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“Preliminary Inquiries into the matter reveal that a Police Corporal Obagi Njok, attached to Abayi Police Division under Abia State Police Command, shot at Mr Emmanuel Okocha along Aba-Owerri Road.
“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.
“The Abia State Police Command states without prevarication that the incident is unfortunate, and regrettable.
“The Command uses this medium to publicly commiserate with the family, friends, and well-wishers of the deceased.
“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.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli