Police dismiss four officers over Delta killing

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed four officers, including Nuhu Usman (ASP), a team leader identified as over the fatal shooting of Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old man, in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as unlawful and a breach of professional standards.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Anthony Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said the decision followed the conclusion of an internal investigation ordered by Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police into the April 26, 2026 incident, which has sparked widespread public concern.

According to the police, the incident began when Ogidi received a parcel sent by a friend from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, delivered through a commercial driver.

He later proceeded to a motor park in Effurun to waybill the package to Sapele.

During routine checks, the parcel was found to contain a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Bystanders reportedly intervened, carried out a citizen’s arrest, and alerted the police.

Police officers led by Nuhu, the ASP, responded to the scene, where Ogidi had already been apprehended and was unarmed at the time he was handed over.

However, rather than follow established rules of engagement, the officer allegedly shot the suspect, leading to his death on the spot.

Placid said findings from the Police Monitoring Unit established that the officers involved engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office, and actions capable of breaching public peace.

“The Force is unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extra-judicial action,” he said, stressing that all suspects are entitled to due process under Nigerian law.

“The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary, while a certified pathologist is expected to conduct an autopsy to support the prosecution.

“Following the investigation, Nuhu and three members of his team were arrested and detained”, he added .

The police confirmed that internal disciplinary procedures have been completed, with all four officers recommended for dismissal.

The Police Service Commission has ratified the recommendation, making their dismissal effective immediately.

The case file has also been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution, with the police pledging full cooperation to ensure the matter is pursued in court.

Placid said efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects connected to the case, including the driver who transported the parcel from Yenagoa and two members of a vigilante group involved in the initial arrest.

Police tactical teams have been deployed to track them down.

The police leadership reiterated its commitment to accountability, assuring Nigerians and the victim’s family that justice would be served.

“The Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” Placid said.

He added that the handling of the case would reflect transparency and respect for human rights, amid growing public and international scrutiny.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.