Today, the 2nd day of September 2026, the Third Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Ini Irene Pepple called at the office of the Commissioner of Police Rivers State with respect to the outcome of the Orderly Room Trial of the officers implicated in the killing of Anthony Obodo.
Following the conclusion of the Orderly Room Trial, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed the three police officers implicated in the killing of Anthony Obodo around the Agip/Adageorge area of Port Harcourt.
This development follows the meeting held on the 31st day of August, 2026 between the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, the family of the deceased and other stakeholders at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters.
At the meeting, the three officers implicated in the incident, including ASP Fabian Banabari, were presented before the Commissioner of Police, the NBA, the family and other stakeholders. They were given the opportunity to give their respective accounts of the incident and respond to questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Anthony Obodo.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the conduct of the officers as unprofessional and assured the family and the NBA that the Command would ensure transparency in the handling of the matter.
Following the conclusion of the Orderly Room Trial, the three officers have now been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. It was further disclosed that they will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction to face criminal proceedings arising from the incident.
This represents a significant development in the matter. However, the dismissal of the officers involved in the killing of Anthony Obodo is only the conclusion of the internal disciplinary process. The criminal justice process is yet to be concluded.
Given the circumstances of this case and the Association’s earlier intervention, continued engagement by the NBA will also reinforce the Association’s commitment to the protection of human rights, the rule of law and the fight against extrajudicial killings.
Dr. Prince Azubuike
National Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association
