The Delta State Police Command in Nigeria has taken action against one of its officers, Inspector Ubi Ebri, for allegedly shooting and killing a 26-year-old man named Onyeka Ibe. The incident occurred on April 5, 2023, on Ugbolu-Illah Road in Asaba, the capital of Delta State. According to reports, Ibe was killed for refusing to pay a bribe of N100 to the police officer.
Onyeka Ibe was a phone seller at the popular Ogbeogonogo Market in the state. After being shot, he was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Following the incident, angry youths in the area paraded Ibe’s corpse on the streets of Asaba to express their displeasure.
Upon receiving the unfortunate news, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammed Ali promptly ordered the arrest and detention of the accused police officer. The suspect, Ubi Ebri, was later apprehended by the police and identified as the shooter. Subsequently, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for a thorough and swift investigation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the police announced that Ebri had been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and would be charged to court on Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The Commissioner emphasised that the police force, being a disciplined organization, does not tolerate such barbaric behavior from its members, and the offending officer will face both internal disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. The Commissioner urged the public to remain calm and abide by the law, assuring them that justice will not only be served, but will also be visible.