Police Officer Allegedly Shoots Motorcyclist Dead in Ebonyi

The police command in Ebonyi says it has detained one of its personnel for allegedly killing a motorcyclist, Nwanchor Uwaezuruike.

This is contained in a statement by SP Joshua Ukandu, the command’s public relations officer (PPRO), on Thursday in Abakaliki.

The statement quoted the state commissioner of police, Adaku Uche-Anya, saying the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting.

Mr Uche-Anya disclosed that the incident occurred on January 27 at about 10:30 p.m. around Hariz Filling Station.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the operatives of the command attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki, while on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover, responded to a distress call when one of the officers unprofessionally shot in the air.

“Regrettably, the bullet struck a motorcycle rider, who has been identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike ‘m’. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead. Following the incident, the officers involved have been taken into custody.

“The commissioner of police, Ebonyi State command, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC, SCID) to carry out a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

The commissioner of police expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them, as well as the general public, that justice would be served.

The command reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism and would keep the public informed as further developments emerge from the investigation.

(NAN)