Policeman arrested for shooting father of 3 dead in Port Harcourt

By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

The authority of Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an officer attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 43 Squadron Gombe state over killing of one Mr Olafuro Peterside, a father of three, in Port Harcourt.

The incident happened at a popular bar along Elekehia area in Port Harcourt on Thursday, August 3,2023 evening.

Spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, confirmed the arrest of the police officer to journalist

She said the DPO of in-charge of the division where the incident happened told her that the deceased was with his wife and three children when the police officer started shooting on air in response to an alarm raised by some persons that there were robbers around the area.

However, a relation of the deceased told journalists that the victim had come out of a restaurant with his wife and three children at the time Police officer was shooting sporadically after robbers had fled the scene of crime.

According to the eyewitness, the victims had entered his car with members of his family and they were about to drive off when he was hit by bullet from the policeman who was shooting after the robbers had left the scene of robbery.

However, SP Koko explained that the bullet from the gun of the officer hit Mr Peterside who was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.

SP Koko added that the Police officer has been arrested, while investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, there have been agitations for justice for the victim and the bereaved family by individuals and groups since the news of the gruesome murder broke.

The late Alafuro Peterside, a father of three shot dead in presence of members of his family in front of a popular restaurant Elekahia,Port Harcourt.