“They Were Paid to Kill My Son”: Father Cries for Justice Over UNIPORT Graduate’s Police Shooting

The death of a 22-year-old UNIPORT graduate in Port Harcourt has triggered protests and renewed anger over alleged police brutality, after his father claimed that officers involved in the shooting were paid to kill his son.

Anthony Obodo, a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, was allegedly shot by police officers in Port Harcourt on August 27, 2026. His father, Princewill Obodo, has alleged that the officers were paid to kill his son. The incident triggered protests at Agip Junction, while the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the officers allegedly involved had been taken into police custody.

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — The death of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo, has sparked protests and public outrage in Port Harcourt after his father alleged that police officers involved in the shooting were paid to kill his son.

Obodo, who was reportedly shot on Thursday, August 27, 2026, died after a bullet allegedly struck the vehicle he was driving around Agip Junction, Ada George, in Port Harcourt.

His death has since triggered protests, with residents and the deceased’s family demanding a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Father alleges police officers were paid to kill son

Speaking with journalists, Anthony’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged that the police officers involved in the incident were paid to kill his son.

According to him, the officers were initially deployed to provide security during the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, conference at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia.

He alleged that the officers were later moved to the area where Anthony was shot.

The grieving father also claimed that police authorities who visited the family’s residence later confirmed that Anthony was innocent.

He said the family had been left traumatised by the death and appealed for a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

How UNIPORT graduate was allegedly shot

The incident reportedly occurred at about 5pm on August 27.

According to an eyewitness account, Anthony was flagged down by police officers at a junction but allegedly failed to stop.

The officers were said to have pursued him before one of them allegedly opened fire at his vehicle.

The bullet reportedly struck Anthony, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The vehicle subsequently crashed into three pedestrians, who were critically injured, according to witnesses and a source familiar with the incident.

Anthony was reportedly rushed to Pamax Hospital after the incident. He was later confirmed dead.

A source close to the family also alleged that Anthony’s vehicle and body were taken away by police officers after the shooting.

The allegations have not been independently established.

Family, residents demand investigation

The incident has caused tension in the Agip area, with residents and youths demanding justice for Anthony and the three pedestrians who were injured.

The family has accused the police of using excessive force and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

There were also concerns over Anthony’s personal belongings. A source alleged that his necklace went missing after the incident.

On Friday, a senior police officer identified as Udechukwu reportedly visited the family’s residence with several armed personnel.

However, the family was reportedly not informed at the time whether any of the officers involved had been arrested, suspended or subjected to disciplinary action.

Residents have also questioned the response of the Agip Police Division to security complaints in the area.

One resident recalled that police officers at the station had reportedly told a complainant the previous month that they lacked fuel to respond to a reported theft in Agip Estate.

The resident questioned how the same police division was able to pursue Anthony for an extended period.

Youths protest over UNIPORT graduate’s death

On Monday, youths staged a protest at Agip Junction, Ada George, over Anthony’s death.

The protesters reportedly blocked parts of the road and set tyres on fire, causing significant disruption to traffic and movement.

The situation was later brought under control after the arrival of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.

Addressing the protesters, Adepoju condemned the incident and assured them that justice would be served.

He disclosed that the police officers allegedly involved in the shooting had been taken into police custody.

The commissioner also said he had been in contact with Anthony’s father.

According to him, a meeting involving the family and the suspects would be held at the Rivers State Police Command headquarters.

Police shooting raises questions

The latest development has intensified calls for accountability and a transparent investigation into the death of the UNIPORT graduate.

The family and residents want the circumstances leading to the shooting established.

They are also demanding justice for the three pedestrians who were reportedly injured when Anthony’s vehicle crashed after the shooting.

The police have yet to publicly provide a detailed account of what led to the shooting.

SaharaReporters previously reported that several calls to the Rivers State Police Command seeking comments on the incident were unanswered by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Kaborlo, at the time of filing the earlier report.

As investigations continue, the family is seeking answers over why Anthony was shot and whether the force used against him was justified.