Police Shooting in Edo: 18-Year-Old Chinedu Abimbor Gunned Down at Checkpoint, Protests Break Out
Fatal Shooting Triggers Outrage in Ekpoma
On 12th March 2025, something unpleasant happened at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, when policemen shot dead an 18-year-old boy, Chinedu Abimbor. The incident has stirred up protests as the people are calling for justice for the murdered teenager and the immediate release of his younger brother, who is being held by the police.
Eyewitness Account: How It Happened
According to eyewitnesses, Chinedu Abimbor was driving a Mercedes-Benz with his younger brother when they encountered a police checkpoint. When he was asked to stop by officers, Abimbor allegedly refused and attempted to drive around the checkpoint. This reportedly infuriated one of the officers, who shot Abimbor dead on the spot. His younger brother was then arrested on the spot and taken into police custody.
Outrage in the Community: Ekpoma Protests
Following the fatal shooting, there were protests in Ekpoma when youths and family members of the victim took to the streets to protest, demanding justice. Protesters went to the palace of Ekpoma's traditional ruler, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to call for an independent investigation and the immediate release of Abimbor's younger brother.
Growing Concerns Over Police Conduct in Edo State
This incident adds to the growing concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State. There have been various police-related fatalities and unlawful detentions documented in the region in recent months:
- February 2025: An 18-year-old was apprehended for the murder of a woman in Benin City (Punch Nigeria).
- March 2025: The police in Edo apprehended a pastor over the alleged killing of a seven-year-old boy in Irrua (The Nigerian Voice).
These cases, along with Abimbor's demise, illustrate the need for urgent police reforms and accountability.
A Nationwide Issue: Nigeria's History of Police Brutality
The killing of Chinedu Abimbor falls into a disturbing pattern of police brutality in Nigeria. The country has been beset by repeated incidents of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and excessive use of force that climaxed in the #EndSARS movement in 2020. Despite promises of reform, incidences of police brutality have continued to emerge, which casts doubt on the effectiveness of government efforts at stemming the scourge.
In other similar cases around the world, police excessive use of force has sparked massive protests. For instance:
- In Greece, the police shooting of a Roma youth over an unpaid gas bill led to riots (Al Jazeera).
- In Kenya, protests erupted after the fatal police shooting of a boda-boda (motorbike taxi) operator who was accused of violating curfew regulations.
These cases point to the worldwide challenge of keeping law enforcement agencies accountable while they strive to maintain public security.
Legal Framework: Did Police Officers Break the Law?
Under Nigerian law, the police can only use lethal force when it is absolutely necessary—such as in self-defense or protection of others from imminent danger. Shooting at a speeding vehicle, much less in the absence of any immediate danger to officers or pedestrians, is a valid reason for concern under the law.
Abimbor's case warrants an open investigation into whether the officer involved acted within the law or if excessive force was used.
What Next? Demands for Justice and Reforms
In the wake of the uproar, several interest groups and human rights organizations have moved in to demand:
- An independent inquiry into the killing of Chinedu Abimbor.
- Accountability for the police officer involved, including potential prosecution.
- The immediate release of Abimbor's brother that was arrested.
- Implementation of police reforms, like better training and rigorous enforcement of human rights protocols.
The Edo State Police Command is yet to release an official statement on the shooting. The incident has, nevertheless, generated national attention, with activists urging authorities to let justice run its course.
Can This Tragedy Cause Real Change?
The death of Chinedu Abimbor should be a turning point in the fight against police brutality in Nigeria. The trust of the public will continue to dwindle if the government does not act as expected.
As the protests continue, all eyes are on Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters for the promise of justice.
For more updates on this case and other breaking national news, visit Vanguard Nigeria and Premium Times.
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