Police officers detained after stray bullet k!lled motorcycle rider in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has detained its officers for allegedly shooting and k!lling a motorcycle rider in Abakaliki.

The fatal shooting occurred on 27 January, 2026 at about 10:30 pm around Hariz Filling Station along the ever busy Abakaliki- Enugu highway.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said it has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident. 

According to the PPRO, preliminary reports indicate that operatives of the Command attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki, were on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover when they responded to a distress call.

During the operation, one of the officers reportedly fired a shot unprofessionally into the air. 

Regrettably, the bullet struck a motorcycle rider identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike. 

He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but was later confirmed d3ad.

Following the incident, the officers involved were 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 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, adding that it would keep the public informed as further developments emerge from the investigation.