Ebonyi Police Condole Family Of Man Shot Dead

The Ebonyi Police
Command has commiserated with the Uto Family of Amike Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area over the shooting of a member of the family, Chukwudi, by a policeman.
Chukwudi, a cement dealer at 135 Junction, on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway, was shot by Cpl. Efom Andei, on the road.
In a statement signed by ASP Chris Anyanwu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, and made available to newsmen last Saturday, the command regretted the shooting.
“The state Commissioner of Police and the command’s entire management team commiserate with the family, relatives and friends of the deceased over the unfortunate incident. “We give the firm assurance that the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident will be thoroughly investigated and justice will take its full course,” the command said.
It said that the deceased was shot for failing to stop at a police checkpoint on the road, contrary to reports that he was shot while celebrating with his friends over purchase of a new car.
“Andei and his colleagues were on a stop-and-search duty at Nwankwo Elom, Ohaukwu axis of the expressway when they received information that an armed robbery gang was heading towards their end. The information revealed that they were inside a purportedly stolen Dyna vehicle without a registration number, as the said vehicle raced toward our officers”, it said.
“The officers flagged it down; the driver refused to stop but meandered through the temporary barrier put in place along the road, thereby evading being halted. A good Samaritan later offered assistance to the policemen and pursued the fleeing suspects; in a bid to halt the car at the popular 135 Junction, the corporal used his firearm and a bullet hit the driver,” it added.
It said that the corporal had been arrested and put in custody.
“The command promises to make public, the outcome of its investigations and further disciplinary actions against the policeman if found culpable.
The victim, a father of one, returned from Lagos after buying a Dustan truck for his cement business, and was rejoicing with friends when the policeman shot him.
A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the policeman came into a drinking bar and demanded for the key of the truck.
“When the victim refused to hand over the keys to him, the officer shot him thrice on the chest,” he said.

Governor  Peter Obi (middle), with Prof Chinyere Okunna (1st left), Vivian Nwandu (2nd Left), Rev  Fr. Felix Efobi, during the presentation of N100m to Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor  (2nd right) for ongoing projects at St. Joseph Hospital,  Adazi-Nnukwu, recently. Photo: NAN