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 Ebonyi State capital.
Following the incident, the Command said it has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting, which occurred on January 27, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m. near Hariz Filling Station along the busy Abakaliki–Enugu highway.
According to the Command, preliminary reports indicated that police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Abakaliki, were on routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover when they responded to a distress call and one of the officers unprofessionally fired a shot into the air.
The statement said the bullet unfortunately struck a motorcycle rider identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike ‘m’. He was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead.
The development was disclosed 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 confirmed that the officers involved in the incident have been taken into custody.
It further stated 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 conduct a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them, as well as the general public, that justice would be served.
The Command reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, assuring that members of the public would be kept informed as further developments emerge from the investigation.
