Policeman arrested for shooting Peace Mass Transit driver, passenger in Bayelsa

Police in Bayelsa have arrested a police officer following the shooting of a commercial bus driver with Peace Mass Transit and a passenger.

The policeman, a member of Police Mobile Force (PMF), who was on duty in a leading commercial bank in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital had an altercation with the driver on Monday over parking rights.

During the argument, the policeman pulled the trigger of his rifle, injuring the driver and one occupant of the bus.

Bayelsa police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, in a statement on Tuesday called for calm, saying the Commissioner of Police, Uche Anozia, directed the arrest of the policeman on suspicion of discreditable conduct and unlawful use of his firearm.

“The suspect, a male NCO, who was arrested on the orders of the State Commissioner of Police, is currently in detention at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Yenagoa,” he said.

The spokesman added that police operatives of the command who responded to the incident took the victims to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

“The CP expressed his sympathy with the victims, family and friends. He equally promised that the case will be comprehensively, speedily and conclusively investigated and all indicted persons will be brought to justice,” Mr Butswat said.