Family Of Killed UNIPORT Student Accuses Police Of Cover-Up
The family of Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt allegedly killed by a stray bullet fired by military personnel, has accused the Rivers State Police Command of attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to his brother, Francis Akpakpan, the deceased had visited his lounge on April 16 to watch a football match. Later that evening, communication with Godwin ceased, and by the next day, a man claiming to be a police officer answered his phone, revealing that Godwin had been shot.
“We were directed to the police station, where a statement was produced but not released to us,” Francis explained. “Even when we returned with a lawyer, we were asked to come back another time. Eventually, we were shown a minibus, which they claimed was fired upon by military personnel.”
The family, suspicious of inconsistencies in the official account, insisted on viewing the body, which was reportedly taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) by the Anti-Cultism Unit. Upon examination, they observed two gunshot wounds on Godwin’s abdomen and additional bruises, raising concerns that he may have also been assaulted.
Francis alleged that further inquiries were met with resistance and veiled threats. “The investigating police officer (IPO) warned us against pushing further, hinting that we could also be targeted by the military,” he said. “When I refused and investigated further, I discovered inconsistencies in the address and details they had earlier provided.”
The family’s demand for transparency intensified after it was revealed that there was no military checkpoint at the scene described by the IPO, further deepening suspicions of a cover-up.
In response, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, attributing Godwin’s death to a stray bullet during a clash between police and military personnel. According to her, police officers had intercepted the vehicle conveying Godwin and others during a stop-and-search operation. A parcel of Indian hemp was reportedly found, but its ownership could not be determined. As they transported the suspects for questioning, the officers encountered a dispute between civilians and military personnel, during which shots were fired, and Godwin was hit.
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“The officers rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead. The command has officially contacted military authorities and awaits their response,” Iringe-Koko stated. She assured the public that the matter was under investigation and justice would be served.
Meanwhile, the Take It Back (TiB) Movement in Rivers State, led by King Amanyie, has condemned the incident as a gross violation of human rights. In a statement, Amanyie demanded a transparent and independent investigation and called for the prosecution of those responsible.
“This is a grave injustice and a misuse of power. If justice is not served, it will further erode public trust in law enforcement. We stand in solidarity with the Akpakpan family,” the statement read.
As public outcry grows, the Akpakpan family and human rights advocates continue to demand accountability and justice for the young student whose life was tragically cut short.
Content Credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit: policinginsight.com
