Delta Shooting: Officers Dismissed as Police Expose Circumstances Behind Killing

Delta Shooting: Officers Dismissed as Police Expose Circumstances Behind Killing

The Nigeria Police Force has forwarded the case file on the killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Delta State to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for prosecution, marking a significant step toward justice in the controversial case.

The development follows the dismissal of officers implicated in the incident by the Police Service Commission after an internal investigation found them culpable of misconduct, abuse of office, and actions likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as a critical milestone in ensuring accountability.

“The case file has been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution. The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

Placid confirmed that the Police Service Commission had ratified the dismissal of ASP Nuhu and three other officers found culpable in the unlawful killing, stressing that their removal from service takes immediate effect. He added that the officers have been arrested and are currently in custody pending prosecution.

Providing further details, Placid explained that the incident occurred after the deceased received a parcel from Bayelsa State, which he attempted to waybill to Sapele. According to him, the parcel was later discovered to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, prompting a citizen’s arrest before police intervention.

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He noted, however, that upon arrival at the scene, ASP Nuhu—who led the responding team—shot the already apprehended and unarmed suspect, an action he said was in clear violation of established rules of engagement.

“The Force wishes to be unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extrajudicial action. Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” Placid stated.

The police spokesperson further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the case, including the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members connected to the incident.

He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and justice, assuring both the public and the victim’s family that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

“The Nigeria Police Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” he said, while urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Eyewitness accounts and local reports indicate that the April 26 incident in Effurun sparked outrage within the community, with residents describing the shooting as avoidable. The development triggered protests and renewed calls for police reform and accountability.

Civil society organisations and human rights advocates have since demanded swift prosecution, warning that justice must not only be done but seen to be done to rebuild public trust.

With the case file now before the Attorney-General of the Federation, the next stage will involve a detailed legal review of evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic reports, and operational records, to determine appropriate charges.

If charges are filed, the dismissed officers are expected to be arraigned before a competent court, where the prosecution will seek to establish criminal liability.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen internal discipline and address misconduct, as public demand grows for transparency, accountability, and reform in law enforcement.

Delta Shooting: Officers Dismissed as Police Expose Circumstances Behind Killing