Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of Anthony Obodo by police officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Obodo was reportedly shot dead on Friday, August 29, 2026, along the Agip–Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, Amnesty International said the police could not be trusted to investigate allegations of misconduct involving their own officers.
It urged authorities to ensure that any investigation into Obodo’s death is conducted independently and transparently, with any officers found culpable prosecuted in open court.
According to the victim’s family, Obodo was driving a Lexus car when he was allegedly chased by police officers and shot at close range.
His sister reportedly said Obodo was still breathing after the shooting when the officers allegedly pulled him from the vehicle, removed his gold chain and rings, abandoned him by the roadside in the rain and drove away in his car.
A passerby later reportedly found him bleeding by the roadside and rushed him to a hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.
Amnesty International described the incident as a disturbing reminder of what it called the persistent targeting of young Nigerian men over their appearance, possessions or use of gadgets such as smartphones and laptops.
The organisation said it had previously documented cases where police officers allegedly associated young men wearing gold chains with criminal activity.
It warned that the lack of accountability was fostering impunity and creating an environment where police officers felt free to commit serious human rights violations.
“Reckless resort of the police to deadly force is a human rights violation,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation also criticised the continued allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings by police officers despite repeated government commitments to reform the Nigeria Police Force.
It called for justice for Obodo and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
