The disciplinary action followed an investigation into the August 27 incident at the Agip-Ada George Junction, where Obodo was shot dead during an encounter with police officers.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the decision on Wednesday while parading the dismissed officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
Adepoju said the investigation had been concluded and established the responsibility of the officers involved. He added that the dismissed personnel would be prosecuted for their alleged roles in the incident.
“The officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court,” the commissioner said.
The command also declared a police inspector who allegedly fled the scene after the shooting a deserter and said further action would be taken against him.
Obodo’s death had triggered protests and widespread calls for justice in Port Harcourt, with angry youths and members of the community blocking parts of Agip Road and the East-West Road around Ada George, causing significant traffic disruption.
Witnesses and members of Obodo’s family alleged that police officers stopped his vehicle and opened fire after pursuing him when he did not immediately pull over. The police, however, maintained that an altercation and scuffle occurred before the fatal shot was fired.
Two other people reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.
Obodo, who had recently graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, was described by his family as innocent of any wrongdoing.
Protesters and relatives demanded a transparent investigation, accountability for the officers involved and prompt prosecution, while rejecting any attempt to suppress details surrounding the killing.
The demonstrations and calls for justice continued for several days before the police announced the disciplinary measures against the officers.
The command has yet to disclose the specific charges or date of arraignment of the dismissed personnel.
