The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action following the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, by an officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, in Effurun, Delta State, on a Sunday. The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, occurred after police operatives from the Effurun Area Command responded to reports from the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway.

According to official reports, Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old man, had been apprehended by members of a transport union while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition. Police operatives were deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody. However, while efforts were underway to facilitate his lawful arrest, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm. This action was in clear violation of extant regulations, including Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, and regrettably resulted in the suspect’s death.

A disturbing video clip, which quickly went viral, captured parts of the incident. Uploaded by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, the video showed a handcuffed Mene Ogidi pleading with armed police operatives, repeatedly stating, “I will tell you everything. My friends deceived me.” Despite his pleas, one of the operatives was seen loading his rifle and subsequently shooting the man dead. This visual evidence further amplified public outcry and calls for justice.

The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu and the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, has swiftly condemned the extra-judicial killing. Both officials ordered the immediate arrest of ASP Nuhu Usman. The officer and his team have since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they are mandated to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and prosecution.

In a series of statements, the IGP and CP Oyeniyi extended their condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that justice would be served in accordance with the law. They further urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its firm stance, emphasizing a “zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust.” The police leadership also stressed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

This incident, however, is not isolated, highlighting a persistent issue of police brutality, extortion, and extrajudicial killings across Nigeria, despite ongoing sanctions and reforms. Recent cases include the