A police corporal, Obagi Njok, has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead a businessman, Emmanuel Okocha in Abia State.
Residents of the Abiriba community in the Ohafia Local Government Area, had alleged officers from the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, on Friday, shot the businessman dead along MCC Abayi-Aba because he refused to bribe them.
Emmanuel Michael Okocha, from Abiriba Community in Ohafia local government area in Abia State, was travelling with his late father’s apprentice on Wednesday. April 17, 2024.
They drove from Abriba and entered Aba through the Osisioma flyover. However, on approaching the area opposite Abayi Girl’s Secondary School, a team of police officers stopped them and asked for Mr Okocha’s car documents and driver’s license, which he quickly presented to them.
After confirming that the documents were complete, the police officer returned the documents to him and allegedly started demanding a tip.
The late Emmanuel replied to the officer that he had nothing to give him after wasting his time and started moving his car to leave the checkpoint only for another officer standing in front to turn his rifle and shoot at him without provocation, an eyewitness alleged.
Mr. Emmanuel Michael Okocha was hit by the bullet and began shouting that he had been shot and the police team allegedly hopped into their car and drove off.
The eyewitness reportedly drove the victim to the nearby Living Word Hospital before calling his attorney who joined him at MCC Police Station where the police team and the trigger-happy officer were identified by the eyewitness.
Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka however confirmed in a statement that corporal Njok who fired the shot, was attached to the Abayi Police Division.
The statement said: “The officer has been apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures have been initiated.
“Appropriate disciplinary actions and sanctions will be effected soonest, and he will face the full course of appropriate administrative and legal consequences.
