The Ebonyi State Police Command has detained several of its officers following the fatal shooting of a motorcycle rider, Nwanchor Uwaezuruike, by a stray bullet in Abakaliki. The incident occurred on Monday, January 27, 2026, near the Spera-in-Deo Flyover along the Abakaliki–Enugu Highway.
In a statement on Thursday, Police Spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed that officers from the Central Police Station were on routine patrol when they responded to a distress call. During the operation, one officer allegedly fired a shot "unprofessionally into the air," which struck and killed the rider.
The victim was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead. The officers involved have been taken into custody. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a "thorough, impartial, and professional investigation."
The CP expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that justice would be served. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police use of firearms and the tragic consequences of negligent discharge during operations.
#EbonyiState #NigeriaPolice #Crime #Justice #PoliceBrutality #Nigeria #Abakaliki #Investigation