The Delta State Police Command has denied allegations that its operatives were responsible for the shooting of a young man in the Ogbilọ area of Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, following the circulation of a viral video that sparked public outrage on social media.
The victim, identified by locals as “Aboy,” was reportedly shot on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, during a violent incident that also saw one of his associates whisked away by unidentified gunmen.
Reacting to accusations in the viral footage, the Police Command said there was no evidence linking its operatives to the shooting, insisting that no police team carried out any operation in the area on the said date.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the Command described claims against the police as false and misleading.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that operatives of the Command did not engage in any shooting incident on the said date and in the said area,” the statement read.
According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that the victim sustained injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Command further disclosed that “Aboy” is suspected to be linked to cult-related activities in the state, adding that he had reportedly survived a previous cult-related shooting four years ago.
“Further findings suggest that the victim is suspected to be involved in cult-related activities within the State and was shot four years ago during cult-related incidents,” the statement added.
Police authorities also raised concerns over the disappearance of the victim’s friend, whose identity remains unknown.
“It was also gathered that his friend, whose identity is unknown, was taken away from the scene during the incident, which also points to the direction of suspected abduction,” the Command stated.
Amid growing public concern over the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered a full-scale investigation through the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the public concern generated by the viral video, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit to carry out a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Edafe stated.
The Police assured residents that investigations are ongoing and appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward through the Command’s emergency and complaint lines.
While reiterating its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes across Delta State, the Command urged the public to avoid rushing to conclusions without verified facts.
