By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has provided fresh details on the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, confirming that disciplinary and legal actions have been initiated against the officer involved.
The incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, followed the interception of a parcel received by the deceased from a contact in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The package, delivered through a commercial driver, was subsequently taken by Ogidi to a motor park for onward dispatch to Sapele. During routine checks at the park, the parcel was discovered to contain a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol along with four rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reportedly restrained the suspect and alerted the police. A response team led by ASP Nuhu Usman arrived shortly after, with the suspect formally handed over into police custody. However, in a development that has drawn widespread concern, the officer allegedly shot the already subdued and unarmed suspect, resulting in his death.
The remains of the deceased have since been deposited in a mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination by a certified pathologist. Findings from the autopsy are expected to form a critical component of the prosecution process.
Addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had directed immediate transparency in handling the case, alongside a comprehensive investigation by the Police Monitoring Unit.
According to Placid, the findings of the investigation established that the conduct of ASP Usman and members of his team amounted to serious breaches, including professional misconduct, abuse of office, and actions capable of undermining public peace, culminating in the unlawful killing of the suspect. He stressed that no level of suspicion warrants extra-judicial measures under any circumstance.
He further revealed that the case file has been transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for legal review and prosecution, with assurances that the police would fully support the process to ensure justice is served through the appropriate judicial channels.
Meanwhile, authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend other individuals linked to the case, including the driver who transported the parcel and two vigilante members reportedly involved in the initial arrest, all of whom are currently at large. Tactical units have been mobilized as part of coordinated operations to bring them to justice.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance, Placid emphasized that accountability remains non-negotiable, noting that the institution does not condone misconduct regardless of rank or position. He assured Nigerians, particularly the bereaved family, that the matter would be pursued with full transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
The police also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations and legal proceedings continue, while reiterating its commitment to upholding human rights and institutional integrity.
