A Magistrate’s Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered the remand of two police officers in connection with the death of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The officers, identified as Corporals Alfred Louis and Michael Ejekwu, were brought before the court following disciplinary action taken against them by the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged involvement in the incident.
Obodo was reportedly shot dead on August 27, 2026, around the Ada George Junction area of Port Harcourt. The circumstances surrounding the incident subsequently triggered investigations by the Rivers State Police Command.
At the court proceedings, the two officers were remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre. However, the charges were not read to them, and they did not enter pleas at the sitting.
The trial Chief Magistrate, Helen Hardy, directed that the case file be forwarded to the Chief Registrar for reassignment. The matter was adjourned until September 22, 2026, when the defendants are expected to take their pleas and further proceedings may commence.
Other officers linked to the incident
The investigation has also identified other police personnel in connection with the death.
They include Fabian Kpeanabari and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Solomon Nwogu. Nwogu was not brought before the court during the latest proceedings and was reported to be at large.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Dr Chinedu Maduba, expressed concern over the fact that only two officers had been brought before the court despite reports that three officers connected to the incident were in custody.
Maduba said he contacted the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, regarding the situation. According to him, the commissioner explained that Nwogu’s case required ratification of his dismissal by the Police Service Commission before he could be arraigned.
The NBA chairman said the police authorities had assured him that the ratification process would be expedited.
Police disciplinary action
The court proceedings followed disciplinary action against officers linked to the incident. The Rivers State Police Command had earlier paraded officers connected with the case at its headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Another officer reportedly absconded after the incident and was declared a deserter. Authorities indicated that the officer would also face disciplinary and legal consequences if apprehended.
The case has attracted attention because of the circumstances surrounding the death of the young university graduate and the involvement of serving police personnel.
Call for justice and fair trial
The Nigerian Bar Association has indicated that it will continue monitoring the proceedings to ensure that the matter is handled according to the law.
While the family of the deceased is seeking justice, legal representatives have also emphasised that the accused officers are entitled to due process and a fair trial. Their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined through judicial proceedings.
The next major development in the case is expected on September 22, 2026, when the two remanded officers are scheduled to appear before the court for further proceedings and are expected to enter their pleas.