The prosecution has closed its case against five police officers standing trial over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi at the Delta State High Court in Asaba.
Six witnesses testified during the prosecution’s case, including the first defendant, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Usman Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe.
Nuhu reportedly gave investigators different accounts of the shooting, saying in one statement that he shot Ogidi accidentally and in another that he acted out of anger.
He also admitted that the shooting was not justified.
“My shooting of the suspect was not justified. I fired two rounds to the suspect,” Nuhu reportedly told investigators.
He said he initially attempted to shoot Ogidi at Effurun Motor Park, but his rifle failed to fire.
Nuhu allegedly took Ogidi to the police office, where he shot him again in the right leg.
He told investigators that the Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, questioned him and directed that Ogidi be taken to Ekpan General Hospital for treatment.
According to his account, Ogidi was later returned to the police station, where the Area Commander ordered that Nuhu be disarmed and detained.
The other defendants reportedly told investigators that Nuhu shot Ogidi without provocation and continued firing despite the intervention of the Area Commander.
A prosecution witness, Waziri, also told the court that Nuhu’s colleagues had enough opportunity to prevent the shooting while he was disarming and reassembling his rifle.
The court further heard evidence from a medical doctor, Dr Clement of Central Hospital, Warri, concerning Ogidi’s post-mortem examination conducted on May 4, 2026.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Nuhu reportedly collapsed but was later revived, allowing the hearing to continue.
The defence counsel, Uche Chibugwu, said the defence had completed cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses and would file Nuhu’s witness statement on oath before October 21.
He added that the defence would not apply for bail.
The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri Anuwhi, expressed confidence that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
“We are hopeful of a conviction at the end of the trial. The evidence before the court is quite overwhelming, and we hope that justice will be done for the victim and for all citizens,” Anuwhi said.
Justice Michael Nduka Obi adjourned the case until October 21, 2026, for the defence to proceed with its case.
The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
