The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the dismissal and criminal prosecution of police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid. According to the statement, the action followed the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings into the April 26, 2026 incident that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed that all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where they underwent expedited disciplinary procedures.
Findings by the Force Disciplinary Committee revealed that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in clear violation of operational guidelines.
“Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law,” the statement read.
Following the findings, the committee recommended the immediate dismissal of Usman and other officers found culpable. The recommendation has since been approved by the Inspector-General of Police and forwarded to the Police Service Commission for ratification.
The Force further stated that upon completion of all administrative procedures, the dismissed officers would be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution.
Reaffirming its stance, the police stressed that no officer has the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. “No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law,” the statement noted, adding that any breach would attract both disciplinary and legal consequences.
The police also assured the public of transparency in handling the case, stating that it is committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
Condolences were extended to the family of the deceased, with assurances that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The incident, which occurred on April 26 in Effurun, drew widespread attention after a video surfaced online showing Ogidi being shot during a police operation. Authorities had earlier stated that he was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel suspected to contain a firearm. However, the officer in charge reportedly discharged his weapon in violation of established procedures.
The development has intensified public scrutiny of police conduct in Nigeria, as authorities continue to emphasise accountability, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law in law enforcement operations.
