A 21-year-old second-year Computer Science student at Nasarawa State University named Ikechukwu Godwin was reportedly shot by Nigerian police officers at a checkpoint in Abuja.
The incident, according to sources, took place around 7 p.m. on Saturday at FO1, a residential area in Kubwa within the Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
Speaking with SaharaReporters on Sunday, Ikechukwu’s father claimed his son was shot after officers accused him of being involved in internet fraud and demanded N200,000.
The father explained that after Ikechukwu was shot in the foot, causing him to fall into a gutter, the officers fled the scene.
Motorcycle taxi riders in the area reportedly brought Ikechukwu home, and he was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors informed the family that the bullet had fractured two bones.
Recalling the incident, the father said, “Ikechukwu is my youngest son. On November 9, 2024, around 6:40 to 7 p.m., he was returning from a visit to friends in Sokale.
After getting out of a commercial tricycle, five policemen approached him, accusing him of internet fraud. Despite his denial, they took his phone to search it.
Finding nothing, they handcuffed him and demanded N200,000. He explained he couldn’t pay, and while making calls to seek help, the officers grew impatient. One of them stepped back and shot him in the leg, causing him to fall into a gutter, after which they left the scene.”
He added that Ikechukwu is currently hospitalized and that police officers have since visited to ask questions and assured the family of a thorough investigation.
When contacted for comment, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT police command, indicated she would respond but had not done so by the time the report was filed.