Amnesty International Demands Independent Probe Into Police Killing of Anthony Obodo

By Peter Emmanuel |

Amnesty International has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of Anthony Obodo by police officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The organisation said Nigerian authorities must investigate the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Obodo was reportedly shot by police officers on Friday, August 29, 2026, along Agip by Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.

Amnesty International said the police cannot be trusted to investigate allegations of misconduct involving their own officers, stressing that any investigation into Obodo’s death must be independent.

The organisation said an independent investigation would help establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide a pathway to justice for the victim and his family.

Amnesty also described the killing as a disturbing reminder of longstanding concerns over police accountability and alleged extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.

Amnesty Calls for Independent Investigation Into Obodo’s Killing

Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death are properly established through an independent and impartial investigation.

According to the organisation, the investigation must not be handled solely by the police because of the allegations against police officers involved in the incident.

Amnesty said the failure to ensure independent investigations into alleged abuses by security personnel could further undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The organisation stressed that any person found responsible for the killing must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

It also called for justice for Obodo’s family, who have accused the police of using excessive and unlawful force against him.

Amnesty said the case should not be treated as another incident without accountability, particularly amid repeated concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings by security personnel.

Family Alleges Police Shot Obodo, Stripped Him of Valuables

According to Obodo’s family, he was driving a Lexus vehicle when he was allegedly chased by police officers and shot at close range.

His sister alleged that Obodo was still breathing after he was shot and that the officers pulled him out of the vehicle.

She further alleged that the officers removed his gold chain and rings, abandoned him on the road in the rain and drove away in his vehicle.

Amnesty International said Obodo was later found bleeding by the roadside by a passerby, who reportedly rushed him to a hospital.

The organisation said Obodo died shortly after he was taken to the hospital.

Amnesty described the allegations surrounding the incident as horrifying and urged the authorities to ensure that the circumstances leading to Obodo’s death are thoroughly established.

Amnesty Warns Police Impunity Is Fueling Extrajudicial Killings

Amnesty International said Obodo’s killing highlights concerns about the alleged targeting of young men based on their appearance, possessions or the gadgets they use.

The organisation said it had previously documented cases in which police officers allegedly attributed criminality to young men for reasons such as wearing gold chains or possessing smartphones, laptops and other gadgets.

It warned that a lack of accountability could continue to encourage impunity and create an environment where police officers believe they can commit abuses without consequences.

Amnesty said it was unacceptable that allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings continued despite repeated government pledges to reform the police and end such abuses.

The organisation said continued impunity was contributing to a climate of fear and corruption and undermining public trust in law enforcement.

Amnesty International therefore urged the authorities to ensure an independent investigation into Obodo’s death and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible, while strengthening measures to prevent further extrajudicial killings.