RINNGOS Demands Prosecution of Police Officers Over alleged  Killing of 22yr-Old in Rivers

By Samuel God’spower, River

The Rivers State NGOs Network (RINNGOS) has called for the immediate and transparent prosecution of police personnel allegedly involved in the killing of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo at Agip Junction, Port Harcourt.

RINNGOS, the umbrella body of civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and human rights advocates in Rivers State, made the demand in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The organization alleged that Obodo, a native of Rundele community in Emohua Local Government Area, was profiled and allegedly labeled a “Yahoo boy” because he was driving a vehicle, a claim his family has rejected.

According to RINNGOS, the incident occurred on August 27 at Agip Junction, Ada George Road, resulting in Obodo’s fatal shooting and injuries to two bystanders.

The group acknowledged the Rivers State Police Command’s confirmation of the incident and the detention of Corporal Alfred Louis and members of his team at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

It also noted the Command’s description of the incident as “totally condemnable” and inconsistent with professional policing, but urged the authorities to demonstrate the seriousness of their position through concrete action.

RINNGOS described the profiling of young people based on their vehicles, appearance, electronic devices or possessions as an unacceptable violation of fundamental human rights.

The organization urged the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, to ensure that internal disciplinary proceedings and any criminal prosecution of Louis and other officers found culpable were conducted transparently and without delay.

It also called on 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.

RINNGOS further demanded clear and enforceable directives to prevent police personnel from harassing, profiling or extorting youths based on their appearance, vehicles or electronic devices.

The organization appealed to youths in Rundele and other residents affected by the incident to remain calm and reject retaliatory attacks or jungle justice, warning that such actions could cause further loss of innocent lives and undermine the pursuit of justice.

RINNGOS said it and its partner civil society organizations would monitor the investigation at the State CID to ensure that the case was not abandoned, stressing its commitment to defending citizens’ rights and promoting accountability in law enforcement across Rivers State.