The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police officer following a harrowing shooting incident on Sunday, 18 January, which left one officer dead and another seriously wounded.
The deceased has been identified as Inspector Ibrahim Sani. The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, a colleague attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on special duty at Intels, Onne, is currently in police custody.
According to preliminary reports provided by the Unit Commander of the 14 PMF, Deputy Superintendent of Police Turaki Hassan, the incident occurred at approximately 1:20 pm at the Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in the Trans-Amadi district of Port Harcourt.
Inspector Sani and a second officer, Inspector Daniel Dauda, both of the 14 PMF, Yola were performing joint guard duties alongside military personnel when Inspector Okus allegedly opened fire. The shots, which reportedly targeted the head and neck regions of the officers, resulted in catastrophic injuries.
Both victims were immediately conveyed to Nopsam Hospital for emergency medical intervention. Regrettably, Inspector Sani succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter. Inspector Dauda remains under medical supervision, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. The remains of the deceased have been transferred to the Military Hospital Mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and a subsequent post-mortem examination.
The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has ordered a “comprehensive and transparent” investigation into what has been described as a “reprehensible act.”
A spokesperson for the Command confirmed that the suspect will undergo an Orderly Room Trial, the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Nigeria Police Force, before being formally arraigned in a court of law for criminal prosecution.
In a stern address to the force, CP Adepoju reminded officers that the carriage of firearms is a “serious responsibility rather than a routine task.” He emphasised the imperative of prioritising the safety of both colleagues and the public to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.
The Rivers State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Inspector Sani. The Command reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professional accountability and ensuring that justice is served in this matter.
