Five police officers have been arraigned before the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba over their alleged involvement in the death of 28-year-old musician and delivery rider, Oghenemine Million Ogidi.
The officers appeared before Justice Marshal Onome Umukoro at High Court 5 on Monday in a case filed under Suit No. THC/ASB/CR/M/66C/2026.
Those arraigned include ASP Usman Nuhu (42), ASP Onoloko Dauroupamo (47), ASP Okoh Kelechi (46), Inspector Goodluck Kingsley (42), and Inspector Omonigho Ahweyevu (41).
After their appearance in court, the judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre while the case continues.
The matter was adjourned to June 15, 2026, for further arraignment, following a request for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Journalists were not allowed into the courtroom during the proceedings, but human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who was present, described the development as a step forward in the search for justice.
Gwamnishu said the court ordered that the officers remain in custody pending the DPP’s legal advice and expressed hope that the trial would begin without further delay.
He, however, raised concerns that the family of the deceased had not been properly briefed about key developments, including access to the autopsy report and updates from investigators.
He also alleged that there were initial attempts to restrict public observation of the proceedings, although journalists and other observers insisted on being present in court.
According to him, the court has indicated that future hearings may be conducted virtually, with the defendants appearing from the correctional facility while proceedings are followed remotely.
A cousin of the deceased, Emuobor Alex, also said the family was not officially informed about the court sitting and only learned about it through unofficial sources and activists.
He explained that family members travelled from Warri to Asaba after receiving a last-minute alert that the matter would be heard in court.
“We were told to contact the Commissioner of Police for updates, but later got information from activists that the case would be heard today. We had to rush down to Asaba,” he said.
However, by the time they arrived, the proceedings had already ended, leaving the family disappointed.
Alex appealed to the Delta State Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities to ensure that the family is properly informed and included in all stages of the case.
“We only ask to be carried along. We want to know what is happening in the case of our brother,” he said.
The same concern was echoed by the elder brother of the deceased, Victory Ogidi, who said the family has been relying on social media and unofficial updates.
He said it was painful for the family to depend on public reports instead of direct communication from authorities handling the case.
“We lost our brother, and we should not be hearing updates only from social media,” he said.
Victory urged the Attorney-General of Delta State, the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure transparency and proper communication with the family.
He stressed that the family was not asking for special treatment, but simply to be included and informed throughout the legal process.
The case stems from the death of Oghenemine Ogidi on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, Delta State, an incident that sparked public outrage after a viral video circulated online.
The matter continues to draw attention from human rights groups, the bereaved family, and members of the public as proceedings progress.
