A police officer in Edo State has reportedly shot and killed an 18-year-old, Chinedu Abimbor, after he allegedly failed to stop at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Sources indicate that the incident occurred on Wednesday when Abimbor, who was driving a Mercedes Benz, was flagged down by security operatives but did not stop. One of the officers allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, fatally striking the driver.
A witness said, “His brother who was in the vehicle with him was arrested by the police and taken into custody.”
In response to the shooting, outraged youths took to the streets of Ekpoma, demanding justice for Abimbor and the release of his detained brother.
A protester, Lucky Adaba, alleged that police officers in the area routinely harass young men who drive cars. He explained that demonstrators approached the police to seek an investigation but were met with teargas.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed that Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin had ordered a full-scale probe into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police has commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased and sued for calm with assurance that justice will prevail at the end,” Yamu stated.
He added that the three patrol teams linked to the incident had been withdrawn from operations as part of the investigation.
According to Yamu, the incident involved a security forces’ joint operation team and occupants of an unregistered Mercedes Benz, resulting in Abimbor’s death.