The incident occurred at Ihunwo’s residence located in the Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to preliminary findings, Inspector Zabo allegedly shot himself dead with his service weapon.
In a confidential police wireless message dated April 22, 2025, and obtained by Journalists, the Rivers State Command reported that: “Today 22/04/2025 at about 0800hrs, one Hon Victor Ihunwo ‘M’ the former Mayor of PHALGA reported at Azikiwe Division that same date at about 0745hrs one of his security details, Insp. Alexander Gift attached to PMF 19 PHC, reported to him that he heard a gunshot and he later discovered that his orderly, Insp. Maxwell Wesley Zabo, shot himself on his head with his service Tokarev pistol, breach no 49115892, with eight (8) rounds of live ammunition.”
According to the police signal, officers from the Azikiwe Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly moved to the scene and evacuated Zabo to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival.
“Photographs taken. Corpse deposited at the Military Hospital PHC for autopsy. The Tokarev pistol and one extra magazine, together with the expanded shell of ammunition alongside the victim’s personal phone, has been recovered,” the message continued.
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.”
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, for what the command described as “further discreet investigation.”
“Further development will be communicated. Yours pls,” the message concluded.
