By Olayemi Esan
A 24-year-old Nigerian-born footballer, Odichukumma Kelvin Igweani has been shot dead by the police in Milton Keynes, Bucks, United Kingdom.
We learnt that Igweani was gunned down by the police after he allegedly killed a neighbour who rushed to save a toddler whom he abducted in his apartment.
According to the police, a 38-year-old council highways officer, Richard Woodcock had raced to help after hearing screams during a domestic dispute at the first-floor property when he was killed by the footballer.
The young footballer was shot four times and a taser was discharged. He was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Woodcock died of head injuries.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct, David Bannister who disclosed this in Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court, said that the toddler remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
He said, “Thames Valley Police received a 999 call after reports of a domestic incident. A double-armed auto-response was deployed to the scene.
“On their way, they were informed that another male was injured and a child was at risk.
“Officers forced entry and they immediately came across a deceased male. They were confronted by Mr Igweani. A taser was deployed but it was ineffective.
“Mr Igweani moved into another room and closed the door. He was in the room with a young child. Officers believed Mr igweani was harming the child and forced entry.
“One officer fired four shots at him and a taser was also discharged. He was pronounced dead at 10.39.”
Kelvin Igweani died from gunshot wounds to the chest. His body was formally identified by his family who were in court, accompanied by a lawyer, to hear how their son was slain by officers in his home on Saturday morning.
