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…says police can’t investigate themselves
Amnesty International has urged the Federal Government to wade into the killing of Anthony Obodo, a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate fatally shot by a police officer in Rivers State on August 27.
In a Tuesday statement, the human rights group described the shooting which occurred along Agip by Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt as “extrajudicial execution”.
“The Nigeria authorities must effectively and impartially investigate the extrajudicial execution of Anthony Obodo, who was shot dead by police officers on Friday 29 August 2026,” Amnesty said.
The group asserted that the police could not be trusted to investigate themselves.
The statement reads, “Any investigation that will be carried out must be independent so that it can lead to justice. Suspected police officers must face prosecution in public trials.”
The Rivers State Police Command had said the incident happened on Thursday after an altercation between Obodo and officers.
According to a Friday statement by Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Blessing Agabe, a fracas ensued and a shot was fired, striking Obodo and injuring two passers-by.
The command identified the alleged shooter as Corporal Alfred Louis, who was later attacked by an angry mob.
Louis and members of his team have been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) pending investigation.
Family members said Obodo was driving a Lexus when he was chased by police and shot at close range.
His sister alleged that after he was shot and still breathing, officers “pulled him out of the vehicle, removed his gold chain and rings, abandoned him on the road in the rain and drove away in his car.”
He was reportedly rushed to hospital by a passerby but died shortly after.
The victim’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged the officers were “paid to kill” his son and said police authorities who visited confirmed Anthony was innocent.
Residents also said he was waiting for his NYSC call-up letter and used the car for transport business.
Protests have since been held at Agip Junction for three days, with demonstrators demanding justice.
Amnesty said the killing reflects a pattern of “consistent targeting of young men, simply for driving a flashy car, using smart phone or having a laptop and other gadgets,” and that the force had documented cases where police “attribute crimes to young men wearing gold chain.”
“Lack of accountability is breeding and perpetuating impunity, creating an environment where police officers believe they have carte blanche to carry out atrocities,” the group stated.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure an independent investigation and to secure the corridor against further abuses, saying, “Reckless resort of the police to deadly force is a human rights violation.”
