…The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday,
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Rivers State Police Command has taken a lawyer into custody following a shooting during a masquerade display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, which left one person dead and eight others injured.
Police spokesperson CSP Grace Iringe-Koko said the incident occurred on Monday when a group of youths performing a masquerade display clashed with the lawyer, identified as Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, and officials of the Nigeria Forest Guards.
“The altercation escalated, resulting in gunfire and multiple casualties,” Iringe-Koko said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
In addition to the lawyer, two other individuals linked to the incident have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
According to the statement: “The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, along Sambo Street, Omoku. The incident led to one death and several injuries.
“At approximately 0130 hours, while some youths were performing a masquerade along Sambo Street, a confrontation occurred involving Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service. Nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries during the altercation. One victim, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at a hospital in Omoku, while eight others are receiving medical treatment at the same facility.
“Following the incident, Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.”
CSP Iringe-Koko said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and degree of responsibility of all parties involved.
She added that the Area Commander has personally engaged with aggrieved youths in the community to ease tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“A joint security patrol comprising the Police and the Military has been deployed to ensure the safety of lives and property. The Rivers State Police Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
