The police in Nigeria have arrested three trigger-happy cops over their alleged roles in the killing of a wedding guest in southeast Imo State.
The deceased, identified as Nude Oguzie, was allegedly shot dead by the officers during a stop-and-search on Owerri/ Orlu expressway.
Oguzie, who was reportedly driving a Toyota Camry with number plate WER 212 SQ, was travelling for a wedding reception when he was shot dead on 5 December 2020 for allegedly refusing to stop.
The officers were said to have fled the scene immediately, leaving the deceased in a pool of his own blood.
Passers-by were said to have rushed Oguzie to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri, the Imo State capital where he was pronounced dead.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, said the three trigger-happy officers had been identified, arrested, and kept in custody.
“The Imo State Police Command has condemned the killing of one Jude Oguzie by operatives attached to the Command, on December 5, along the Njaba/Owerri Road,” he said.
“The Commissioner of Police, Isaac Akinmoyede, wondered why the officers refused to adhere to rules guiding the use of firearms.
“He, therefore, ordered an investigation into the matter, with a view to unraveling the cause of the incident. The officers involved have however been identified, arrested, and are presently in custody.
“The CP while sympathising with the family of the deceased, urged them to remain calm, as the Command will do everything possible to ensure that justice is done.
“The Command regrets the killing of the deceased under any guise especially now that the force is doing everything within its powers to put an end to incidents of brutality and incivility to members of the public.”