Police officer in custody for shooting colleagues in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, for shooting two of his colleagues at a popular supermarket in Port Harcourt on Sunday afternoon.

The command said the incident occurred while the affected officers, attached to the 14 Police Mobile Force, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel in the state.

Although details surrounding the shooting were not immediately disclosed, the police identified the victims as Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda.

In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the officers were shot in the head and neck, respectively.

She said the injured officers were rushed to the hospital, where Inspector Sani later died from gunshot injuries.

Iringe-Koko added that Sani’s remains had been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary for preservation, while Inspector Dauda is currently receiving medical treatment.

She further disclosed that the suspect, Inspector Okus, had been arrested and would be subjected to an orderly room trial before being charged in court.

The statement read in part, “The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened to report a tragic and distressing incident that occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, resulting in the loss of a dedicated police officer, Inspector Ibrahim Sani.

“The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, a fellow officer attached to 17 PMF but on special duty at Intels, Onne, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

“According to the account of the Unit Commander, 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan, and preliminary investigations, the incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, where Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, both attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel.

“Inspector Okus allegedly shot his colleagues in the head and neck regions.”

The statement further noted that the injured officers were taken to Nopsam Hospital for medical attention, where Inspector Sani succumbed to his injuries, while Inspector Dauda remains under medical care.

“The corpse has been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and autopsy,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident to ensure that the circumstances surrounding what he described as a “reprehensible act” are thoroughly examined.

“The suspect will face an orderly room trial and will be subsequently charged in court for prosecution to ensure that justice is served,” the statement said.

Adepoju also warned officers that the handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task, stressing the need to prioritise safety to prevent similar tragedies.

Iringe-Koko added that the command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Inspector Sani, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability within the force.

Meanwhile, findings by PUNCH Metro revealed that the arrested officer is currently being interrogated but has been evasive in his responses.

However, a senior police source dismissed claims of accidental discharge, describing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle fell as untrue. (Punch)