Crime Inside Nigeria

IGP Fires Abia Police Commissioner Over Businessman’s Murder By Drunk Cop

...DIG to conduct comprehensive investigation

Shola Oshunkeye April 22, 2020

0 220 1 minute read

By Damola Emmanuel

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mohamed Adamu, Tuesday, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the murder, last Friday, of an Ebem Ohafia, Abia State-based businessman who was shot dead by a trigger-happy policeman apparently under the influence of alcohol.

Adamu also fired the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okon Ene, who he recalled to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and appointed CP Janet Agbede as the new Commissioner.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who confirmed the IGP’s order, via a statement, said Adamu strongly condemned the murder of Mr. Ifeanyi Arunsi, as well as the “glaring unprofessional conduct and misuse of firearms by a policeman…on Friday, 17^th April, 2020, which led to the unfortunate death of…Mr. Ifeanyi Arunsi.”

“The IGP equally condemns the resort to self-help by some people and the resultant arson and damage to Government property and operational assets of the Nigeria Police Force,” Mba added.

According to reports, the killer policeman and two of his colleagues were reportedly hit by a beverage vehicle that was offloading its content in the area. In the argument that ensured, the enraged cop was said to have dashed for his gun and shot Arunsi, who later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where he was being treated.

Arunsi’s death enraged youths of the area and they went on rampage. They allegedly burnt the police station the area, the DPO’s residence, a magistrate court and police quarters.

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ene Okon, while confirming the incident to journalists, revealed that the killer policeman committed the tragic act under the influence of alcohol when he committed the act.

The IGP condemned the reprisal attack by the rampaging youths saying that it was unlawful to resort to self-help.

Mr. Adamu has set-up a Special Investigation Panel headed by the DIG Mr. Anthony Michael Ogbizi, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department at the Force Hheadquarters, Abuja, to “carry out a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate incident.”

Specifically, Mba said “The Panel will review police actions and in-actions prior, during and after the death of Mr. Ifeanyi Arunsi, and the circumstances surrounding the attack on the police station and damage to property.”

In a related development, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of CP Janet Agbede as the new Commissioner of Police, Abia State. She takes over from CP Okon Ene who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Adamu condoled with the family and acquaintances of the late Ifeanyi Arunsi, and counseled the people of Ebem Ohafia never to take the law into their hands again. Rather, they should allow the course of justice to prevail at all times.

Concluding, the IGP assured Abia citizens that investigation into the case will be swift and thorough. “Justice will surely be done to all parties,” Adamu promised.