Policeman detained for shooting motorcyclist dead in Ebonyi

By Christian Ogbonna

An with Ebonyi Police Command has been detained after the bullet he unprofessionally shot in the air hit and killed a motorcycle rider identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike in Abakali, the state capital.

The officer attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki was part of patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover when he shot in the air, the Ebonyi Police Command said in a statement issued by SP Joshua Ukandu, its Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on Thursday in Abakaliki.

The statement quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Adaku Uche-Anya, saying that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting.

Uche-Anya disclosed that the incident occurred on Jan. 27 at about 10:30 pm around Hariz Filling Station.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the operatives of the Command attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki, while on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover, responded to a distress call when one of the officers unprofessionally shot in the air.

“Regrettably, the bullet struck a motorcycle rider who has been identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike ‘m’. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead.

“Following the incident, the officers involved have been 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 statement said.

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 and would keep the public informed as further developments emerge from the investigation. (NAN)