The Divisional Police Officer, DPO of 9th Mile Police Station in Rivers State, SP Obidike Chukwudi, shot at his junior colleague (Inspector) during argument inside the police facility.
It was gathered that the DPO had earlier detained the Inspector (name withheld) for allegedly leaving his duty post.
According to SaharaReporters, multiple sources said that Obidike thereafter shot at the inspector on Monday while inside the cell during an argument.
The action of the DPO is in violation of Nigeria Police Force order 237 which guides the use of firearms by police officers.
“An Inspector was assaulted and shot by the 9th mile Divisional Police Officer after he was detained in the cell for leaving his beat. He fired the bullet inside the cell and he misfired but the shell caused a bruise on the police Inspector. This is an attempted murder, not punishment anymore,” a source familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters.
Another source who is a policeman added, “An incident of violation of force order 237 happened at 9th mile police station on Monday being 13th March 2023.
“The DPO of the police station detained an Inspector for leaving his beat and while he was in cell, the DPO heard him shouting and instead of cautioning, he opened fire on the Inspector.
“This should be looked into by the authorities because police officer has right to life as well. Shooting is not part of the punishment of a defaulted police officer. I don’t even know Nigerian senior police officers can go to the extent of attempted murder.”