Tension has continued to mount in Port Harcourt following the reported police shooting that claimed the life of 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate Anthony Obodo.
The incident has sparked protests and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death, with his family calling for justice.
Anthony’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged that the police officers involved were paid to kill his son.
Speaking with journalists, he claimed that the officers were initially deployed to provide security at the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, conference at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, before they were later moved to the area where his son was shot.
Obodo also alleged that police authorities who visited his residence confirmed that Anthony was innocent.
He said the family had been left deeply traumatised by the death and called for a thorough investigation and justice for his son.
On Monday, youths protested at Agip Junction, Ada George, over the killing.
The protesters blocked parts of the road and reportedly set tyres on fire, disrupting traffic and movement in the area.
The situation was later brought under control following the arrival of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.
Addressing the protesters, Adepoju condemned the incident and assured them that justice would be served.
He disclosed that the police officers allegedly involved in the shooting were in police custody.
The commissioner also said he had been in contact with Anthony’s father, adding that a meeting involving the family and the suspects would be held at the command headquarters.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5 pm last Thursday after Anthony allegedly failed to stop when he was flagged down by police officers at the junction.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that one of the officers opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Anthony.
He reportedly lost control of the vehicle and subsequently hit three people.
