Policeman shoots computer operator in Delta over alleged refusal to go to station

There was tension in Sapele town, Delta State in the early hours of Wednesday following the shooting of a 28-year-old computer operator in the area allegedly by a trigger-happy policeman, identified as Chucks Owudi, over the victim’s refusal to follow him to the station.

It was gathered that the victim, Precious Imade, was driving in a Toyota Camry car along the new road area where he was allegedly hit by a truck driver, resulting in a shouting match.

An eyewitness, Joseph Otori, who spoke to DAILY POST, said that while the shouting bout lasted, passersby intervened and the issues were resolved, but the policeman including three of his colleagues, who were invited to the scene, insisted that Imade should follow them to the police station; a demand he resisted, and was being forced into a waiting vehicle with police inscription.

It was further gathered that Precious Imade a native of Benin City, Edo State, who has been a computer operator in Sapele in the last six years after graduating from one of the polytechnics in the state, screamed for help, but the policeman in anger threatened to shoot him, and in the process the said Chucks allegedly opened fire on him, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.

After the policemen fled, succor came the victim’s way from good Samaritans, who immediately rushed him into a nearby hospital where he is at present, receiving treatment.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident, noted that the four policemen took to their heels, adding that efforts were ongoing to bring them to book.

Aniamaka, who spoke to DAILY POST said: “the police are on the trail of the policemen who allegedly shot the computer operator, and investigation is ongoing, we will bring them to book”.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed sources said the victim “was shot in his legs, and is at present, being treated in a private hospital”.