An 18-year-old boy, identified as Chinedu Abimbor, was reportedly shot and killed by police in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The tragic event happened on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at a police checkpoint in the town. The police also arrested the deceased’s younger brother.
Following the incident, protests erupted as youths and the victim’s family demanded justice and called for the officer responsible to be held accountable.
An anonymous eyewitness stated that Chinedu, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz, refused to stop when flagged down at a police checkpoint. This act allegedly enraged one of the officers, who then fired at the car, killing him.
The witness further said that the victim’s brother, who was in the vehicle during the incident, was immediately taken into custody by the police.
“This development prompted angry youths to take to the streets of Ekpoma on Thursday to demand justice for the slain 18-year-old,” the source added.
The protesters also visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, where they insisted on the immediate release of the deceased’s brother.
A protester, Lucky Adaba, 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.”
In response, the Edo State Police Command has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, revealed that a joint security team confronted the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz, leading to Chinedu’s death.
Yamu stated on Friday that Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin had ordered the immediate removal of three patrol teams involved in the incident.
He added that the Commissioner expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and assured the public that justice would be served.
