The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that a police officer captured in a widely circulated video shooting and killing a suspect in Effurun will be prosecuted for murder.
This was made known by the Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday. He identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman and revealed that he has already been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he will undergo disciplinary procedures.
Edafe did not mince words in condemning the officer’s conduct, describing it as highly unprofessional and completely unacceptable within the standards expected of the Nigeria Police Force. He went further to express deep concern over the nature of the act, stating that the level of violence displayed was difficult to rationalize under normal circumstances. According to him, such behavior raises serious questions about judgment and control, suggesting that it defies conventional explanation.
Addressing public curiosity about why the officer’s face was concealed in the official statement announcing his arrest, Edafe explained that the decision was guided by professional protocol. He emphasized that such measures are often taken to maintain procedural fairness and uphold institutional standards, especially while investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing anger and demanding justice. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, was reportedly shot during an operation carried out by police officers attached to the Area Command in Effurun on April 26, 2026.
According to the police account, the team had acted on intelligence suggesting that Ogidi had been apprehended while attempting to transport a suspicious parcel. The parcel was said to contain a Beretta pistol along with four rounds of ammunition. However, despite the nature of the allegation, the police acknowledged that the use of lethal force in the situation was unjustified and in direct violation of established rules.
The Command specifically noted that ASP Usman breached Force Order 237, which governs the use of firearms by police personnel, as well as the Standard Operating Procedures of the Force. These guidelines clearly outline the conditions under which an officer may discharge a weapon, prioritizing the preservation of life and the use of minimal force. In this case, Edafe confirmed that those principles were ignored, resulting in the fatal shooting of the suspect.
The police authorities have since assured the public that justice will be pursued diligently and transparently. Edafe reiterated that the institution does not condone misconduct and that officers found guilty of violating the law will face the full consequences of their actions. He stressed that holding erring officers accountable is essential to maintaining public trust and reinforcing discipline within the Force.
This development has also reignited broader conversations about police conduct, accountability, and the use of force in Nigeria. Many observers have pointed out that while reforms have been discussed over the years, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing rules and better training for officers in handling high-pressure situations.
As the case progresses, attention will remain focused on how the authorities handle the prosecution of ASP Usman. For many Nigerians, this situation represents not just a single act of misconduct, but a test of the system’s commitment to justice and reform.
The Delta State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, assuring that updates will be provided as the investigation and trial unfold.
