Nigerians, Police outraged, officer arrested over alleged extrajudicial killing in Effurun, Delta state

By James Ike

The Delta State Police Command has said it is yet to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, describing the incident as deeply troubling and unacceptable.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Wednesday during a live appearance on Channels Television, where he admitted that the command was struggling to understand the conduct of the officer involved.

He described the case as one of the most challenging he has handled in his six years in public relations.

According to Edafe, while the police could not officially attribute the officer’s actions to any unusual factors, he noted that “it may not be far from” inexplicable circumstances, underscoring the puzzling nature of the incident.

The shooting, which occurred on April 26, 2026, involved operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command who had acted on intelligence provided by members of the public. The suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to waybill a parcel allegedly containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.

Police authorities said the team was deployed to apprehend the suspect and take him into custody.

However, the officer leading the operation, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly violated Force Order 237 and standard operational procedures by discharging his firearm.

The gunshot resulted in the immediate death of the suspect, sparking outrage after a video of the incident surfaced online and went viral, with many Nigerians condemning the act as an extrajudicial killing.

In a statement, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that ASP Usman had been arrested following the incident on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi. He was initially transferred to the State Headquarters in Asaba before being moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The command said the officer has been queried and will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee for immediate disciplinary action and possible prosecution.

“The officer, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect,” the statement noted.

Condemning the killing, CP Oyeniyi described the incident as an unfortunate breach of professional conduct and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions, recklessness, and abuse of power.

The police commissioner also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be served. “The Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is done,” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force further reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, respect for human rights, and accountability, amid growing public concern over the conduct of some officers.

Members of the public have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue and disciplinary processes are carried out.