Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Police in Ebonyi State have detained some of their officers following the fatal shooting of a motorcycle rider along the Abakaliki–Enugu Expressway in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred on the night of January 27, 2026, near Hariz Filling Station close to the Spera-in-Deo Flyover, has sparked public outrage after an eyewitness accused police operatives of killing an unarmed and innocent rider.
According to the eyewitness, the deceased was riding a motorcycle popularly referred to as a “rubber rubber bike” when he emerged from Afor-Ezunna Street and was allegedly chased by a police Hilux van attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Abakaliki.
The witness, who requested anonymity, claimed that during the chase, one of the officers repeatedly threatened to shoot the rider.
The eyewitness further alleged that the rider’s only offence was violating the state government’s restriction on motorcycle movement after 7:00 p.m., insisting that the victim was unarmed and had neither committed nor intended to commit any crime.
Moments after the chase, a gunshot was reportedly fired, killing the rider on the spot.
The account also claimed that confusion followed the shooting, with one officer heard questioning why the shot was fired and expressing concern over the consequences.
It was further alleged that the police dispersed onlookers, seized a phone from a bystander who attempted to record the incident, and evacuated the victim and his motorcycle from the scene.
Reacting to the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the shooting and announced the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.
In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, the police said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on January 27, 2026, during a routine patrol around the Spera-in-Deo Flyover.
According to the statement, an officer “unprofessionally shot in the air” while responding to a distress call, and the bullet struck a motorcycle rider identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike.
The statement said the victim was rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was later confirmed dead.
The police disclosed that the officers involved have been taken into custody, while the Commissioner of Police 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 into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The Command remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses,” the statement said.
The incident has renewed calls from residents and civil society groups for improved police accountability and an end to the use of excessive force by security operatives in the state.
