Police confirm Delta killer-cop’s dismissal
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday confirmed the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, and three others over the killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday confirmed the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, and three others over the killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State.
The police described the incident as unlawful and a violation of professional standards.
Briefing reporters at the Force Headquarters, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid said the Police Service Commission (PSC) had ratified the recommendation, making their dismissal effective.
The police further stated that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for legal review and prosecution.
Placid said the office of the AGF had assured the NPF of full cooperation to ensure justice is served.
The incident that occurred on April 26, this year, has attracted public concern.
According to the police, the deceased had earlier received a parcel from a friend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he intended to forward to Sapele.
The parcel, upon inspection at a MR park, was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
Eyewitnesses reportedly carried out a citizen’s arrest and handed Ogidi over to a police team led by Usman.
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However, rather than adhering to the rules of engagement, the officer allegedly shot and killed the unarmed suspect who was already in custody.
“The actions of the officer clearly contravened standard operational procedures and amounted to professional misconduct, abuse of office, and unlawful killing,” Placid said.
He said the Force leadership ordered an immediate investigation through the Police Monitoring Unit, which found the officers culpable.
Consequently, ASP Nuhu and three members of his team were arrested, while internal disciplinary processes recommended their dismissal.
Meanwhile, authorities are still searching for the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members connected to the incident.
He said tactical teams had been deployed to track the fleeing suspects.
The police emphasised that no level of criminal suspicion justifies extrajudicial action, stressing that all suspects are entitled to due process.
The Force extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured Nigerians of transparency and accountability in handling the case, urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
