The Nigeria Police Force has sent the case file on the killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for legal review and prosecution.
This follows the confirmation of the dismissal of four police officers found culpable in the incident by the Police Service Commission.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this during a briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Sunday, describing the move as a significant step toward securing justice.
“The case file has been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution.
The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction,” Placid said.
He confirmed that ASP Nuhu and three other officers involved had already been arrested, dismissed from service, and are currently in custody following the conclusion of internal disciplinary processes.
“Following the conclusion of investigations, ASP Nuhu and three other members of his team have been arrested and are currently in custody. Internal disciplinary procedures have been concluded against all officers found culpable,” he stated.
Placid added that the Police Service Commission had ratified the recommendation for their dismissal with immediate effect.
“The PSC has reviewed and ratified this recommendation. Their dismissal is therefore confirmed and takes immediate effect,” he added.
According to the police, the incident occurred on April 26 after the deceased allegedly received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which was being transported to Sapele.
The parcel was later found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition, leading to a citizen’s arrest before police intervention.
However, Placid said the investigation revealed that one of the officers, ASP Nuhu, unlawfully shot the already restrained and unarmed suspect.
“The actions of the officer amounted to professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace,” he explained.
He stressed that no level of suspicion justifies unlawful killing.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to be unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extrajudicial action. Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” he said.
Placid also assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the incident, including those who delivered the parcel and certain vigilante operatives.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance on accountability, he noted that no officer would be shielded from justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” he said.
He urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue and legal proceedings begin.
