ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has denied allegations linking its operatives to the shooting of a young man in the Ogbilọ area of Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, describing claims circulating in a viral video as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Bright Edafe, the police said no officer of the command was involved in any shooting incident at the location on May 6, 2026, contrary to allegations made by some individuals captured in the viral footage.
The command stated that there was currently no verifiable evidence linking the police to the incident, stressing that the friend of the victim, who was reportedly taken away by unidentified gunmen, was not in police custody or detained in any facility operated by the command.
According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that the victim, popularly known as “Aboy,” sustained injuries during the attack and was presently receiving medical treatment.
The police further disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the victim was allegedly involved in cult-related activities within the state and had reportedly survived a similar cult-related shooting incident about four years ago.
The command added that available information indicated that another individual, believed to be a friend of the victim, was forcibly taken away from
the scene during the attack, raising suspicions of possible abduction.
Reacting to the public concern generated by the viral video, Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, directed the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit to commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police assured residents that a thorough investigation was ongoing and appealed to members of the public with credible information to assist the command in unraveling the matter.
The command urged residents to contact its Control Room through 08036684974 or reach the Complaint Response Unit via 09155570008 and 09011112311 with relevant information.
While reaffirming its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes across the state, the command cautioned members of the public against drawing conclusions without establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
