Police Parade ASP Nuhu, Others Over Extra-Judicial Killing of Ogidi in Delta

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed an Assistant Superintendent of Police and three other officers over what it described as an extra-judicial killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, amid renewed pledges to enforce accountability within its ranks.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he confirmed that the officers had been arrested, dismissed, and handed over for prosecution following the conclusion of internal investigations.

He said the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when the deceased received a parcel from a contact in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he intended to send to Sapele through a motor park.

According to him, the parcel was later searched by members of the public and found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, prompting a citizen’s arrest before the police were invited.

Placid explained that ASP Nuhu, who led a responding police team, took custody of the suspect at the scene but failed to comply with established rules of engagement.

“At that point, rather than follow standard operational procedures, ASP Nuhu shot and killed the unarmed, already-apprehended suspect,” he said.

He described the act as a clear case of extra-judicial killing, noting that the Force Monitoring Unit immediately launched a full investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.

The investigation, he said, established that the officers involved engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to breach public peace.

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

He confirmed that the Police Service Commission had ratified the recommendation for their dismissal, adding that the decision takes immediate effect.

The case file, he said, has been transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution, while the Force pledged full cooperation to ensure justice is served.

Placid also disclosed that the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members connected to the incident are still at large, adding that tactical teams have been deployed to arrest them.

Reiterating the Force’s position, he said no officer would be shielded from prosecution where wrongdoing is established.

“No rank, no position, and no circumstance will place any officer above accountability,” he said, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased.

He urged the public to remain calm and continue to support law enforcement agencies as the case proceeds through the justice system.