Corporal dismissed for misusing firearm, faces criminal charges

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed Police Corporal Obagi Njok from the Nigeria Police Force for discreditable conduct and misuse of firearms.

This followed the incident of misuse of firearm by the cop which reportedly led to the death of an Abia-born businessman identified as Emmanuel Okocha.

This is contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, on Wednesday.

SituationReport gathered that the suspects faced disciplinary action and were found guilty of the misuse of a firearm after a thorough investigation by the police command and would be prosecuted in court for criminal charges.

The statement reads, “Disciplinary actions have been concluded by the Abia State Police Command. Relevant stakeholders including the family of the deceased were carried along at every step of the process.

“Police Corporal Obagi Njok (as he then was) was found guilty of discreditable conduct to with misuse of a firearm and has therefore been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. Investigation into the criminal aspects of his conduct has also been concluded and the matter has therefore been handed over to the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abia state on 24/05/2024 for prosecution in court.

“The Abia State Police Command remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and the rule of law. We unequivocally condemn any act of misconduct, unprofessionalism, and indiscipline among our officers.”

It was reported that the Abia State Police Command arrested Njok for shooting Okocha dead on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, for allegedly refusing to give him (Njok) money at a checkpoint.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, on Saturday revealed that Njok was attached to the Abayi Police Division before the incident happened.

While describing the incident as regrettable, the command said the corporal was apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures had been initiated.