The Rivers State NGOs Network (RINNGOS) has condemned the alleged killing of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo by police personnel at Agip Junction, Port Harcourt, calling for swift and transparent prosecution of those responsible.
The umbrella body of civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and human rights advocates in Rivers made the demand in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt.
RINNGOS alleged that Obodo, a native of Rundele community in Emohua Local Government Area, was profiled and labelled a “Yahoo boy” because he was driving a vehicle, a claim his family has rejected.
According to the organisation, the incident escalated at Agip Junction, Ada George Road, on Aug. 27, resulting in the fatal shooting of Obodo and injuries to two bystanders.
RINNGOS acknowledged the statement by the Rivers State Police Command confirming the incident and the detention of Corporal Alfred Louis and members of his team at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The organisation also noted the Command’s description of the incident as “totally condemnable” and inconsistent with professional policing, but urged the authorities to back the position with concrete action.
It described profiling young people on the basis of their vehicles, appearance or possessions as an unacceptable infringement of fundamental human rights.
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RINNGOS called on the Commissioner of Police in Rivers CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, to ensure that internal disciplinary proceedings and any subsequent criminal prosecution of Louis and other officers found culpable were conducted transparently and without delay.
It also urged the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to take responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured bystanders and provide adequate compensation to Obodo’s family.
The organisation further demanded clear and enforceable directives prohibiting police personnel from harassing, profiling or extorting youths based on their appearance, electronic devices or vehicles.
RINNGOS appealed to youths in Rundele and other residents affected by the incident to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory attacks or taking the law into their own hands.
It said mob action and jungle justice could result in further loss of innocent lives and undermine efforts to secure justice through lawful means.
The organisation said it, alongside partner civil society groups, would monitor the investigation at the State CID to ensure that the case was not abandoned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of citizens and promoting accountability in law enforcement across Rivers.
By Samuel God’spower
