By Elvira Jordan
The father of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo has publicly alleged that his son was “assasinated” by police officers in Port Harcourt, sparking protests and renewed calls for accountability in the Rivers State Police Command.
Princewill Obodo told reporters that Anthony was shot dead on August 27, 2026, along the AGIP-Rumueme axis while driving alone. He claimed the officers involved were “paid to kill” his son, a recent University of Port Harcourt graduate who was awaiting his NYSC call-up.
“My son was innocent,” Princewill said. “He was chased before being shot at. He was not a criminal.”
The family maintains that Anthony was engaged in legitimate transport work at the time and was not a suspect.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, confirmed that an officer allegedly involved, CPL Alfred Louis, has been detained and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
In a statement, the police said Anthony “failed to stop when flagged down.” The Obodo family has disputed this account and is calling for a thorough, independent probe.
Chidi Lloyd, Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, visited the Obodo family at their Agip Estate residence to condole with them. He expressed confidence that the police command would ensure due process.
The incident has reignited public debate over police conduct and use of force in Rivers State, with civil society groups urging the authorities to make the investigation findings public.
As at press time, CPL Louis remains in custody while investigations continue.
