The Edo State Police Command has come under fire following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Chinedu Abimbor at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Wednesday after Abimbor, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz, failed to stop when flagged down by police officers.

“The young man’s refusal to stop angered one of the operatives, who immediately fired at the vehicle, killing the victim in the process,” a witness, speaking anonymously, recounted.

Abimbor’s younger brother, who was with him in the car, was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody.

Protests and Demands for Justice

By Thursday, outraged youths and community members took to the streets of Ekpoma, demanding justice for Abimbor and the release of his detained brother. The demonstrators also gathered at the palace of the traditional ruler, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to press their demands.

A protest spokesperson, Lucky Adaba, condemned the police’s actions. “We went to the police station to inquire about what could have led to the killing, but the police teargassed us and started shooting. The police have formed the habit of harassing young men driving cars in Ekpoma,” he told Daily Post.

Police Respond, Officers Withdrawn

In response to the backlash, the Edo State Police Command announced a full-scale investigation into the incident.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the shooting involved a joint security team and an unregistered Mercedes-Benz.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has since ordered the immediate withdrawal of the three patrol teams involved.

Extending her condolences to Abimbor’s family, Otimenyin assured the public that “justice will be served in the end.”

As tensions remain high in Ekpoma, authorities are urging residents to remain calm while investigations continue.