UPDATED: Police Officer Involved in Delta Shooting of Suspect Arrested, Moved to Force Hqs to Face Disciplinary Action

The police officer attached to the Delta State Police Command allegedly involved in the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, one Mene Ogidi, 28 years, has been identified and transferred to Force Headquarters for possible orderly room disciplinary action.

In a footage which has gone viral on social media, the police shot the man in broad daylight, despite his hands being tied behind his back and his repeated pleas for mercy.

In the footage shared by Inside_Delta which has stirred widespread condemnation, including reaction from Human rights organisation Amnesty International esrlier reported by SaharaReporters, shows the helpless young man crying and begging the officers to spare his life, promising to cooperate fully and reveal whatever information they required.

In the video, the victim is heard pleading desperately: “Officer, I beg, I will tell you everything. It was my friend that deceived me.”

Despite his pleas, one of the officers shot him in the leg at close range.

The young man, writhing in pain, continued to beg for his life, insisting on his innocence and offering to lead the officers to any location or person who could clarify the situation.

“I will carry you go the place. I don’t know anything concern it,” he cried repeatedly. “Officer, I beg… Officer, please… Officer, I don’t know.”

Advertisement

Eyewitnesses at the scene watched in horror as the officers ignored his cries.
Moments later, he was shot again at close range while still restrained and defenceless.

The officer in the video is identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, attached to Area Command Effurun.

He allegedly discharged his firearm which killed the suspect on April 26, in Effurun, Delta State.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, in a statement, on Tuesday, disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun received credible intelligence from members of the public regarding the deceased, who was reportedly apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

He said that police operatives were promptly deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody.

However, the police officer leading the team, ASP Nuhu Usman, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.

The police image-maker said that upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Effurun, to immediately arrest ASP Nuhu Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action.

Advertisement

He said that the officer has since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.

The Command, in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasized respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust.

The Command further reaffirmed its zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, while condemning the reported extra-judicial killing, extended his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Mene Ogidi, and assures the bereaved family that the Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

The CP appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, as all necessary steps are being taken to bring the culprit to justice.

Meanwhile, Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Nigeria Police Force to urgently identify and prosecute officers responsible for the alleged killing of an unarmed suspect in Delta State.

Advertisement

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred at the Effurun Area Command in Effurun.

Amnesty International questioned the conduct of the officers involved, asking, “When did the police become the jury, judge and executioner?”

The group insisted that the officers implicated in the killing must be fished out and made to face justice, stressing that the act amounts to culpable murder under Nigerian law.

According to the statement, “Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Effurun Area Command, Delta State have openly killed an unarmed suspect. When did the police become the jury, judge and executioner?

“The personnel should be identified and must be charged to court for culpable murder.”

The organisation also tagged relevant police accountability channels, including the Complaint Response Unit, calling for immediate action and transparency in the investigation.

Advertisement