An unidentified police officer has reportedly shot a 21-year-old 200-level student of Computer Science at Nasarawa State University, identified as Ikechukwu Godwin.
The incident occurred at a checkpoint in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred at FO1, a residential layout in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory at around 7pm on Saturday.
The father of the victim, who spoke with SaharaReporters on Sunday, alleged that Ikechukwu was shot after the policemen accused him of being an internet fraudster and demanded N200,000 from him.
He explained that the son fell into a nearby gutter after his foot was shot, while the policemen ran away.
The victim’s father said some ‘Okada riders’ (motorcycle taxi riders) brought Ikechukwu home, adding that his son was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to him, the doctor said two of his bones were broken by the bullet, adding that Ikechukwu is still at the hospital.
READ ALSO
•Anambra LG Chairman Arrested in US Over Alleged $3.3m Romance Scam
•How Baltasar Engonga Misled Me – Lady In Viral Tape Speaks
He said, “Ikechukwu Godwin is my last son. Yesterday, November 9, 2024, at about 6:40pm to 7pm, Ikechukwu went to one of the Sokale’s communities to visit his friends. On his way back, the moment he alighted from a commercial Keke Napep (tricycle), over five policemen surrounded him. They accused him of being an internet fraudster, and he told them that he was not.
“They collected his phone and searched it. When they couldn’t find anything, the policemen handcuffed him and demanded N200,000. He told them that he had no means of getting such an amount of money and they gave him his phone to make calls.
“He started making calls, but in the process, the police said he was wasting their time. Then, one of the police personnel moved back and shot my son in the leg. He fell into a nearby gutter, and the policemen ran away. Over 8 Okada riders brought him home.
“Right now, we are at the hospital where the doctor confirmed that two of his bones have been broken.
“Some policemen are here with us asking questions, they promise to investigate the matter.”
When contacted, Josephine Adeh, the FCT police command spokesperson, promised to call back.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
