From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A police corporal whose name was given as Obagi Njok, has shot and killed a businessman, Emmanuel Michael Okocha for allegedly not giving him bribe.
The incident was said to have happened along Aba/Owerri Road, Abayi, Aba, Abia State on Wednesday.
It was gathered that on the fateful day, Okocha, a native of Abiriba in Ohafia local government area of the state had drove from his home town back to Aba in his unnamed car with a friend.
On approaching opposite Abayi Girl’s Secondary School, a team of Police officers reportedly stopped them and demanded for the vehicle papers and driver’s licence of Okocha which he was said to have given them without hesitation.
It was equally gathered that after the check, the police officer returned the documents to the owner, an indication they were in order.
However, instead of allowing Okocha and his friend to go, it was alleged the policeman demanded for bribe from them.
The deceased reportedly replied the policeman he had no money to give him, not when he had wasted him time in checking his papers.
Believing he had been cleared to go, as the deceased attempted to move his car from the check point, Corporal Njok who was standing in front, without provocation, shot Okocha.
Immediately the deceased was hit by the bullet, the police team left him wright in pains and fled the scene.
It was Okocha’s friend who took him to a nearby hospital where he was operated upon to remove the bullet lodged in his body, but he died hours later.
The deceased friend was said to have later identified Corporal Njok ND the other members of the team at the MCC Police Station, Abayi.
Reacting over the incident, Abia command said preliminary Inquiries it conducted into the matter reveal that Police Corporal Obagi Njok, attached to Abayi Police Division, actually shot the deceased.
A statement by the command PPRO, Maureen Chinaka said the incident was unfortunate, and regrettable.
She added that the officer has been apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures have been initiated, adding that appropriate administrative and legal consequences would follow soon.