The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, for shooting two fellow officers at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, on Sunday afternoon.
According to the command, the victims, Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, were attached to the 14 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Yola, and were on joint guard duty with military personnel in Port Harcourt when the incident occurred around 1:20 p.m.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the officers were shot in the head and neck respectively. Inspector Sani was rushed to Nopsam Hospital but later died from his injuries. His remains were deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation, while Inspector Dauda continues to receive medical treatment.
The suspect, Inspector Okus, who is attached to 17 PMF but on special duty at Intels, Onne, has been taken into custody and is expected to face an orderly room trial before being charged to court.
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The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding what he described as a “reprehensible act.” He also warned officers that handling firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and urged strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
CSP Iringe-Koko added that the command extends its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Inspector Sani and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism and accountability within the force.
According to findings by our correspondent, Inspector Okus is currently being interrogated but has been evasive in his responses. A senior police source dismissed claims that the shooting was accidental, describing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle fell as untrue.