The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed officers implicated in the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, pledging that those involved will face prosecution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the police said the decision followed recommendations by the Force Disciplinary Committee, which investigated the incident in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, approved the dismissal after the committee found that the lead officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in clear violation of established rules governing the use of firearms.
“The findings established unequivocally that the principal officer acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations,” the statement read.
“His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law.”
The police added that the dismissed officers would be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities once administrative procedures are concluded.
“Upon completion of due process, the affected officers will be transferred for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial killing,” the statement noted.
The Force emphasised its zero-tolerance stance on abuse of power, stressing that no officer has the right to take a life outside the provisions of the law.
“No uniform confers the authority to act outside legal boundaries,” the IGP said. “Any officer found culpable will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.”
The police also extended condolences to the victim’s family, assuring them that justice would be pursued transparently.
“The Force is committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a way that reinforces public confidence and accountability,” the statement added.
The incident, which occurred on April 26, sparked widespread outrage after a video of the shooting circulated online.
Police had initially said the suspect was apprehended over allegations of attempting to send a package containing a firearm.
However, authorities later confirmed that the officer in charge violated operational procedures during the arrest, leading to the suspect’s death.
Reacting earlier to the viral video, Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe described the officer’s conduct as “unjustifiable and unprofessional,” assuring the public that the matter would be thoroughly addressed.
The killing has reignited concerns over extrajudicial actions by security operatives in Nigeria, a long-standing issue that has drawn criticism from civil society groups, activists, and the public.
