A heartbreaking incident has shaken Owerri, Imo State, as a 64-year-old lawyer, Barrister Donald Mbamah, has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing 16-year-old Paul Victor, a student of Urban Development Secondary School.
The tragic event unfolded on Monday, March 17, 2025, when Paul reportedly jumped over a fence into Mbamah’s compound to retrieve a stray football. Eyewitnesses say the lawyer shot him in the buttocks, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead three days later.
Police Confirm Arrest, Investigations Underway
Confirming the arrest, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stated that officers responded to a distress call from a concerned neighbor who heard the gunshot. Upon arrival, they apprehended Mbamah and rushed Paul to General Hospital, Umuguma, where doctors fought to save his life.
Despite medical efforts, the teenager succumbed to his injuries on March 20.
What’s Next for the Suspect?
Following his arrest, Mbamah has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further questioning. Authorities are working to recover the firearm allegedly used in the shooting, and forensic evidence, including crime scene photographs, is being gathered.
The Imo State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served, stating:
“The suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed and sufficient evidence is gathered.”
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
This incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many calling for swift legal action. However, the police have urged the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, warning against mob justice or retaliation.
As the investigation unfolds, one question remains: Was this a case of self-defense or an unjustified act of violence? The coming days will reveal the full truth behind this tragic loss of a young life.
