Police Confirm Arrest of Officer in Shooting of Colleagues in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, following a shooting incident on Sunday afternoon that injured two colleagues at a supermarket in Port Harcourt.

The officers, identified as Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, were on joint guard duty with military personnel at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in the Trans-Amadi area when the shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m.

According to a statement released on Monday by police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, Inspector Sani sustained a gunshot wound to the head and later died from his injuries. Inspector Dauda, who was shot in the neck, remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment.

The suspect, Inspector Okus, who is attached to a different Mobile Force unit but was on special duty in the area, has been taken into custody. The police stated that he will face an orderly room trial and subsequent prosecution in court.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. He emphasized the serious responsibility of handling firearms while on duty and underscored the need for strict safety protocols.

The command expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased officer and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and accountability within the force.

Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect has been questioned but has provided unclear accounts of the event. A police source familiar with the matter stated that claims of an accidental discharge due to a falling rifle are not supported by initial evidence.