The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has approved the dismissal and prosecution of Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman and other officers involved in the killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Spokesperson, Anthony Placid, said the decision followed the findings of the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which concluded that the officer acted in violation of established rules governing the use of firearms.
According to the statement, the committee found that the officer “acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.”
“Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process,” it reads.
What happened?
The development follows public outrage triggered by a viral video showing the suspect, later identified as Mene Ogidi, seated on the ground with his hands tied before being shot by a police officer attached to the Delta command.
Earlier, Delta police spokesperson Bright Edafe had confirmed the arrest of the officer and his transfer to Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.
Placid added that upon completion of internal procedures, the officers involved would be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over the extrajudicial killing.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power,” he said.
“No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.
“The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi.
“He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly.
“The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.”
He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the police remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of citizens’ rights while ensuring accountability at all levels.
NBA reacts
Reacting to the incident, NBA president Afam Osigwe said no law enforcement officer has the authority to assume the roles of prosecutor, judge, and executioner.
“This is an arbitrary, unprovoked, and misguided show of power by a law enforcement agent. Not only did the act clearly show that the policeman took the law into his hands but portrayed the Nigerian Police Force in a bad light,” the statement reads.
“The sordid act once more put under the spotlight the unceasing allegations that law policemen routinely violate the rights of criminal suspects and even innocent persons.”
Osigwe stressed that the act violates the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and reinforces concerns about recurring abuses by security agencies.
“Regrettably, many law enforcement and executive functionaries fail to abide by the terms of the laws that set them up as well as regulate their actions, but this is not always the case,” he said.
“They continue to act in a manner which must not be encouraged in all decent societies. Some of such actions are usually unconstitutional, illegal, and an unlawful infringement on the rights of individuals.
“If such unlawful actions by the security agencies continue unchecked, the fundamental rights of people may not amount to much in such a climate of impunity.”
The NBA president called for broader accountability beyond the officer directly involved, insisting that all personnel connected to the incident must face investigation.
“The investigation, arrest, and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have counselled, aided, or abetted the extra-judicial killing, as they all will be jointly liable for the heinous act,” he added.
He urged authorities to ensure a transparent and swift trial, warning that any attempt to shield those responsible would further erode public confidence in law enforcement.
Osigwe also disclosed that the association has directed its human rights and civil liberties committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to closely monitor the case and engage relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
“In furtherance of this, the NBA Human Rights Committee and Civil Liberties Committee are hereby directed to closely monitor allegations of violations of citizens’ rights in any other place, engage with relevant authorities, and take all necessary legal and institutional steps to ensure that justice is diligently pursued and ultimately served,” he added.
He reiterated the association’s call for comprehensive reforms in policing, particularly around accountability and the use of force, while affirming the NBA’s support for the victim’s family.
The incident has raised eyebrows, with reactions that may lead to a new nationwide protest of 2020 #EndSARs, if action is not taking swiftly
