The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed detention of it officers for allegedly shooting and killing a motorcycle rider in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.
Following the incident, the command has also commenced a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting that occurred on 27 January, 2026 at about 10:30 pm around Hariz Filling Station along the ever busy Abakaliki- Enugu highway.
It said Preliminary reports indicate that operatives of the Command attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki, while on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover, responded to a distress call when one of the officers unprofessionally shot in the air.
Regrettably, the bullet struck a motorcycle rider identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike ‘m’. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations officer, SP Joshua Ukandu and made available to journalists in Abakaliki. The statement noted that the officers involved have been taken into custody.
It noted that the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC, SCID) to carry out a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them, as well the general public, that justice will be served.
The Command reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism and will keep the public informed as further developments emerge from the investigation.
