PORT HARCOURT: The Rivers State Police Command has arrested an inspector, Victor Okus, for allegedly shooting and killing his colleague, Insp. Ibrahim Sani, while injuring another officer.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement on Monday that Okus, attached to 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF) and on special duty at Intels Logistics Company, Onne, was in custody.
The incident occurred on January 18 at about 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
According to preliminary investigations, Okus allegedly opened fire on colleagues attached to 14 PMF, Yola, who were on joint guard duty with military personnel, inflicting gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Sani later died in hospital, while the second officer is receiving treatment for multiple gunshot injuries.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary for autopsy. Iringe-Koko said the suspect would face an orderly room trial to determine the motive behind the shooting and would be charged to court if found culpable.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation and urged officers handling firearms to exercise utmost responsibility, stressing professionalism and discipline to prevent avoidable tragedies.
