Police officer arrested for killing businessman in Aba

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a police officer accused of killing an Abiriba-born businessman, Emmanuel Michael Okocha, in Aba.

Mr Okocha was shot on Wednesday, April 17, along Aba-Owerri road in Aba for allegedly refusing to bribe some policemen despite having a complete vehicle license. He died in hospital on Friday, April 19.

Subsequently, the Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State wrote to authorities, demanding that the alleged shooter, an officer attached to the Rapid Response Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, be made to face justice.

The Abia State Police Command while disclosing the arrest of the officer in a statement on Saturday, April 20, by its spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, revealed that necessary disciplinary measures have been initiated and the culprit will be made the face the full course of legal consequences.

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.

“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.”