Kamtochukwu’s remains
By Publisher
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Tears flowed at a police checkpoint in Anambra State when a policeman allegedly shot dead a commercial bus driver over refusal to a N100 bribe.
The police officer, who is attached to the Otuocha Area Command in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State was accused of shooting the driver, simply as Kamtochukwu, after the officer requested for their usual N100 bribe.
However, Kamtochukwu’s refusal to cooperate this time cost him his life.
A police report has confirmed the killing, stating that on Friday November 1, youth in the area had a disagreement with a police squad led by one Onyebuchi at a checkpoint after they requested for N100 from a commercial bus driver.
According to a witness, during the ensuing argument over the bribe, one of the officers shot the deceased.
The witness said: “The young man was shot dead during an altercation between him and the police officers over the payment of a N100 bribe. During the argument, one of the police officers quickly pulled the trigger and shot him dead.
“The young man was also a commercial vehicle operator, and his vehicle was just ahead of mine in the queue a few metres from the checkpoint. We were waiting in the queue at the checkpoint when we suddenly heard the sound of a gunshot.
“The incident caused chaos and panic as some youths in the area mobilised against the police action before they eventually drove off from the scene.”
Confirming the incident, the State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police officer has been arrested and detained.
“The police officer involved has been identified as Inspector Sani Suleiman. He has been disarmed and detained for further investigations and internal disciplinary procedures,” Tochukwu said.
An end to the rising slate of extra-judicial killings by the police does not seem in sight. Do also is the brazen bribery and extortion among police officers, which often results in avoidable tragedies like the needless waste of Kamtochukwu.
Nigeria is a longstanding issue that has led to deep-seated mistrust between the public and law enforcement.
This was what led to the #EndSARS protests a few years ago yet police brutality and extortion remain endemic despite efforts by the authorities to curb this menace. Victims are coerced to part with their money or pay with their lives.
