Police arrest lawyer, two others over m8rder of youth leader and sporadic shooting during masquerade display in Rivers community (video)

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a lawyer, Claudius Akpudi Ikechukwu and two others over shooting incident during a masquerade display in Omoku,Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026.

According to eyewitnesses, trouble began when a masquerade allegedly struck the lawyer’s car with a cane while the procession was ongoing.

In response, the lawyer was said to have stepped out of his car, produced a firearm and started shooting. 

The gunfire claimed the life of a young man identified as Emmanuel David Nkemjika, the immediate past Treasure of the Omoku Youth Federation and left six others injured. 

Tension escalated afterward with angry youth setting fire to the lawyer’s family home in the Santa Maria area and his private residence in Obrikom.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Grace Iringe Koko, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, said the command has commenced an investigation into a shooting. 

“At about 0700hours, a report was received at the Omoku Police Division through credible sources stating that at about 0130hrs, while some youths were masquerading along Sambo Street, a confrontation occurred involving one Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS). During the incident, nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries,” the statement read. 

“One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at the Hospital, Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.

“Following the incident, Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation. 

“Preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of culpability of all parties involved.

“In the meantime, the Area Commander personally addressed aggrieved youths in the community to calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order. 

“A joint security patrol comprising the Police and the Military has been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice.”