Police Arrest Lawyer Over Masquerade Shooting In Rivers State, One Dead, Eight Injured

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a lawyer following a deadly shooting during a masquerade display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, which left one person dead and eight others injured.

According to the State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the incident occurred on Monday when some youths performing a masquerade display clashed with the lawyer, identified as Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, and officials of the Nigeria Forest Guards.

“The altercation escalated and resulted in a shooting and casualties,” CSP Iringe-Koko said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The statement further disclosed that aside from the lawyer, two others linked to the incident have been arrested, and the trio is currently in police custody pending investigation.

The statement reads: “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, along Sambo Street, Omoku, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.

At about 07:00 hours, a report was received at the Omoku Police Division through credible sources stating that at about 01:30 hours, while some youths were masquerading along Sambo Street, a confrontation occurred involving one Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service.

During the incident, nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries.

One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at the Hospital in Omoku, while eight others are currently 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 detailed investigation.”

CSP Iringe-Koko said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and the level of culpability of all parties involved.

She also noted that the Area Commander has personally engaged aggrieved youths in the community to calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“A joint security patrol comprising the Police and the Military has been deployed in the area 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 added.