What would have been another wave of EndSARS protest was averted in Owerri on Saturday when some policemen on road block along Owerri – Orlu road shot and killed a driver.
The driver, identified as Jude Oguzie Nmezi from Amucha in Njaba local government area of Imo state was said to be on his way to a wedding ceremony Saturday morning when he ran into a patrol team on a road block along the road.
It was gathered that Oguzie, who had a sticker of the legal profession, signifying that he was probably a lawyer, was allegedly shot by one of the policemen during a hot exchange of words between them.
Eyewitnesses say that the policemen ran away after the shooting and passers-by only mustered courage to offer any help after 30 minutes of the incident, but a rescue team apparently sent by the police command, was chased away by the angry mob, who nearly caused a repeat of the EndSARS protest.
His lifeless body was later deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.
However the police say that officers involved in the killing have been arrested.
Commissioner of Police, CP Isaac O. Akinmoyede, who confirmed the in a statement, said that he has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Akinmoyede, who condemned the killing, wondered why the officers refused to adhere to rules guiding the use of firearms, stressing that they have been identified, arrested and are presently in custody..
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, said, “The Imo state Police Command has condemned the killing of one Jude Oguzie “m” by operatives attached to the Command, on the 5/12/2020, along the Njaba/Owerri .
“The CP while sympathizing with the family of the deceased, urged them to remain calm, as the Command will do everything possible to ensure that justice is done .
“The Command regrets the killing of the deceased under any guise especially now that the force is doing everything within its powers to put an end to incidents of brutality and incivility to members of the public,” the statement added.
