Amnesty demands independent probe into alleged killing of Obodo in Rivers

Amnesty International has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of Anthony Obodo by police officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the rights organisation said Obodo was allegedly shot by police officers on August 29 along Agip by Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.

Amnesty International said the circumstances surrounding the killing require an investigation that is independent of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The police cannot be trusted to investigate themselves,” the organisation said.

It called for the prosecution of officers suspected to be involved through public trials if evidence establishes their responsibility.

According to the victim’s family, Obodo was driving a Lexus car when he was allegedly pursued by police officers and shot at close range.

His sister reportedly said that after he was shot, Obodo was still breathing when the officers allegedly “pulled him out of the vehicle, removed his gold chain and rings, abandoned him on the road in the rain and drove away in his car.”

Amnesty said Obodo was later found bleeding by a passerby, who took him to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.

The organisation described the killing as a disturbing reminder of what it called the alleged targeting of young men by police officers over their appearance, vehicles and possession of expensive gadgets.

“Lack of accountability is breeding and perpetuating impunity,” Amnesty said, warning that this creates an environment in which police officers may believe they have “carte blanche to carry out atrocities.”

It further described the alleged reckless use of deadly force by police as a human rights violation.

Amnesty said it was unacceptable that despite repeated government commitments to police reform and an end to torture and extrajudicial killings, allegations of abuses by security personnel continued.

The organisation urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for Obodo’s death are identified, prosecuted and held accountable.