Ebonyi Police Detain Officers Over Fatal Shooting of Motorcyclist

Ebonyi Police Detain Officers Over Fatal Shooting of Motorcyclist

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the detention of its officers following the fatal shooting of a commercial motorcyclist in Abakaliki.

The incident occurred on January 27, 2026, at approximately 10:30 pm near Hariz Filling Station along the Abakaliki-Enugu highway.

According to preliminary reports, operatives from the Central Police Station were on a routine patrol near the Spera-in-Deo Flyover when they responded to a distress call. During the operation, one of the officers reportedly fired an unprofessional shot into the air.

Tragically, the discharge struck a motorcyclist identified as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike. Although he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention, he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, issued a statement on Thursday confirming that the officers involved have been taken into custody. He emphasized that the police are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness to ensure accountability.

The Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial probe. The command is seeking to establish the exact circumstances that led to the “unprofessional” use of a firearm.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency. The police stated: “The Commissioner of Police has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them, as well the general public, that justice will be served.”