A trigger-happy police officer has been arrested and detained for allegedly killing a 17-year-old boy, Emeka Odogwu, in Ozoro, a community in the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of Saturday, December 8, following an altercation over the use of fireworks.
Reports indicate that the teenager, who had been using fireworks, attempted to flee when one of the officers reportedly opened fire, fatally shooting him. Eyewitnesses shared details of the incident on social media, with one resident writing, “The police in Ozoro, Delta state shot and killed a 17-year-old boy because he bought and set off a knock-out. They left him to die,” while tagging the official Police Nigeria account.
The Delta State Police Command swiftly responded to the incident, with the spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirming that the officer involved had been arrested and detained.
In a statement, Edafe assured the public that justice would be pursued, emphasizing that the officer’s actions were completely unjustifiable. He further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had personally assured the family of the deceased that the case would be thoroughly investigated and that the officer would face legal consequences.
Edafe added, “The Nigerian Police Force is committed to ensuring that officers who violate the law are held accountable. This year alone, two officers have been charged with murder, and this case will not be an exception. The policeman has been detained, and the CP has assured the family of justice.”
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with many calling for swift justice and better oversight of police conduct in the area.
