An 18-year-old boy, Chinedu Abimbor, has tragically lost his life after being shot by police officers at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, a town located in the Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, has sparked outrage and led to protests by youths and the deceased’s family, who are demanding justice for the young man.
The shooting occurred when Chinedu, who was reportedly driving a Mercedes-Benz, failed to stop when flagged down by police officers at a checkpoint in Ekpoma. According to eyewitness accounts, the young man’s refusal to comply with the officers’ instructions enraged one of the policemen, who immediately opened fire on the vehicle.
An anonymous source who witnessed the incident stated that Chinedu was fatally shot while still in the car. His younger brother, who was also in the vehicle, was reportedly arrested by the police following the shooting. The arrest of the brother added to the tension, fueling protests and demands for accountability.
The eyewitness explained, “This development led to protests by angry youths who gathered in Ekpoma the following day to demand justice for the slain teenager. The protesters were also calling for the immediate release of the victim’s brother from police custody.”
The news of the shooting quickly spread across Ekpoma, and on Thursday, March 13, 2025, a large group of youths, along with the deceased’s family members, took to the streets to express their anger. They gathered at key locations in the town, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to voice their grievances.
A spokesperson for the protesters, Lucky Adaba, described the scene at the police station. He said, “We went to the police station to inquire about what could have led to the killing, but the police tear-gassed us and started shooting. The police have formed the habit of harassing young men driving cars in Ekpoma.”
The protesters also demanded the immediate release of Chinedu’s brother, who had been detained by the police. They accused the authorities of using excessive force in dealing with what they believed to be an avoidable situation.
In response to the incident, the Edo State Police Command has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Chinedu Abimbor’s death. A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the incident involved a joint operation between security forces and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz, which led to the tragic death of Chinedu.
The statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Otimenyin, had ordered the immediate withdrawal of the three patrol teams involved in the operation from active duty while the investigation was underway. The police also expressed their condolences to Chinedu’s family and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the family and friends of the deceased and calls for calm from the general public, with the assurance that justice will be served in the end,” the statement read.
However, despite the police’s assurances, the public’s trust in the security forces has been shaken, and many residents of Ekpoma remain skeptical of the investigation’s outcome. The shooting of Chinedu Abimbor has raised concerns about police brutality and the treatment of young people, particularly those driving cars in the town.
This incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about police harassment of young people, particularly in the southern parts of Nigeria. Many Nigerians, particularly youths, have expressed frustration with law enforcement, alleging that young men driving cars, especially those in higher-end vehicles, are frequently targeted by police officers. The situation in Ekpoma has brought these issues to the forefront, sparking wider debates about the need for police reform and accountability in the country.
The incident has also drawn attention to the safety and security of citizens in Edo State, where there have been several reports of police misconduct in the past. The Edo State Police Command’s quick response in launching an investigation and withdrawing the implicated patrol teams is seen as a positive step, but the community remains on edge, demanding transparency and justice.
The protesters have made it clear that they will not rest until justice is served. They are calling for the immediate prosecution of the officer responsible for the shooting and are demanding that the police refrain from using excessive force when dealing with civilians, especially young people.
“We want justice for Chinedu. We want to see the police officers involved in this senseless killing brought to justice. Our community is in pain, and we will not stop fighting until we get justice,” said another protester.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Ekpoma and other concerned citizens will be watching closely to see if the police take appropriate action. The shooting of Chinedu Abimbor has once again brought the issue of police brutality into the spotlight and has raised questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the public.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether justice will be served for the slain teenager and whether this incident will lead to broader changes in policing practices in Edo State and across Nigeria.
The tragic death of Chinedu Abimbor is a stark reminder of the need for reform within the Nigerian police force and the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions, especially when those actions result in the loss of innocent lives.
