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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the detention of some of its officers over the alleged shooting and killing of a motorcycle rider in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The command said it has commenced investigation into the incident, which occurred on January 27, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., near Hariz Filling Station along the busy Abakaliki–Enugu highway.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, indicate that officers attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Abakaliki, were on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover when they responded to a distress call. During the operation, one of the officers allegedly fired a shot into the air in an unprofessional manner.
Tragically, the bullet hit a motorcyclist identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike (male). He was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
Ukandu disclosed that the officers involved in the incident have been taken into custody, adding that the command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Following directives from the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC, SCID) has been mandated to conduct a “thorough, impartial and professional investigation” into the matter.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police expressed “heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased” and assured them and members of the public that “justice will be served.”
The command further reiterated its commitment to “transparency, accountability and professionalism,” assuring that the public will be kept informed as investigations progress.