By SUNTV Global Channel
January 7, 2026 | News
In a controversial development, Inspector Hycent Oboh, a serving Nigerian police officer detained over the June 2024 deadly shooting at the Eberi-Omuma Local Government Council Secretariat in Rivers State, reportedly continued to receive his monthly salary while in custody, SUNTV Global Channel can exclusively report.
Documents obtained by SUNTV show that Inspector Oboh was credited with N249,138.13 on December 29, 2025, despite being held at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt, in connection with a murder investigation. The transaction description reads: ETZ:08MWPZ037271; COP08MWPZ037271: EBONYI
The orderly room trial followed a violent confrontation at the Omuma council secretariat on June 18, 2024, during which at least two people died: Inspector David Mgbada, a serving officer, and Samuel Nwigwe, a civilian security operative attached to a local vigilante group.
Twelve officers were arraigned on three counts: discreditable conduct, unlawful exercise of authority leading to the deaths, and damage to government property through wasteful use of ammunition.
Eyewitnesses described armed officers opening fire and deploying teargas during a peaceful gathering at the council secretariat. One witness, Success Amaefule, claimed bullets struck two civilians, while others recounted panic, damage to vehicles, and teargas in the area.
Investigations Hampered by Lapses
Despite testimony from eight prosecution witnesses, the panel found no direct evidence linking most accused officers to the deaths. The investigating officer, Inspector Festus Ilerhunwa, reported recovering empty shells and teargas canisters, but the panel faulted him for failing to verify video evidence, conduct an identification parade, or analyze firearms ballistically. Several officers and vehicles involved were never identified, and critical records were unavailable.
Limited Convictions
After reviewing evidence and testimonies, the panel acquitted 10 officers, citing investigative gaps and inconsistencies. However, Inspector Michael Etim (D5) and Inspector Nelson Mbang (D8) were found guilty of discreditable conduct for joining a local government chairman’s escort team without authorization. They were demoted from Inspector to Sergeant and face a separate trial for leaving their officially allocated beats.
In a unique posthumous ruling, the panel also held that the late Inspector David Mgbada should have faced trial for unlawful authority and discreditable conduct, noting he had co-opted Etim and Mbang without proper authorization.
Panel Criticizes Police Force
The panel condemned disciplinary lapses, political influence, and poor investigative practices within the Nigeria Police Force. It urged stricter enforcement of protocols and recommended further investigation to identify those responsible for unlawful acts during the Omuma council incident.
The case raises concerns over accountability, as Inspector Oboh reportedly continued receiving a salary while detained, highlighting potential gaps in administrative oversight.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue monitoring developments and report any updates regarding appeals by the convicted officers or further action by the police authorities.
