A police inspector serving in Rivers state, Maxwell Zabo, has reportedly taken his own life.
Zabo, formerly attached as a security aide to Mr. Victor Ihunwo, the immediate past mayor of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, died by suicide. The incident was said to have taken place on Tuesday at Ihunwo’s residence.
The former chairman reportedly alerted the Azikiwe police division following the incident.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers police command, confirmed the development, stating that the case had been transferred to the state criminal investigation department (SCID) for a “comprehensive” probe.
Zabo’s body was said to be discovered by his colleague, Alexander Gift, a police inspector, who rushed to the scene after hearing a gunshot.
Zabo was found with a “self-inflicted” wound to the head, believed to have been caused by his service Tokarev pistol.
He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
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While initial reactions suggested shock and disbelief, chilling details later emerged from the victim’s family. The late inspector had reportedly made disturbing calls to relatives earlier that same morning.
“Information reliably gathered from the cousin of the deceased, SP Mu’azu (DPO Asarama Division), and other relatives of the deceased revealed that the deceased called them this morning and told them that he was not feeling fine and may likely die as a result of that sickness.”
The message further disclosed that: “He directed them to prepare his grave well and take care of his family for him. He also revealed to them where his properties and documents are. That immediately after that call, they started calling him back and his phone was ringing but he was not picking.” Recovered from the scene were the Tokarev pistol, an extra magazine, a spent shell casing, and the late officer’s mobile phone.
