Police Move Against Officer Over Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Suspect in Delta State
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced both disciplinary and legal proceedings against Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman following the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State.
The development was confirmed in an official statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid. According to the police, the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, and immediate steps have been taken to address the actions of the officer involved.
In its response, the NPF strongly denounced the killing, emphasizing that the discharge of a firearm in the circumstances surrounding the incident was inconsistent with established policing standards and operational guidelines.
Preliminary findings revealed that officers attached to the Effurun Area Command had acted on actionable intelligence originating from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway. The information reportedly concerned a suspect who had been detained by members of a transport union.
The suspect was allegedly stopped while attempting to send a package suspected to contain a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition. However, while officers were in the process of taking the individual into custody, ASP Usman—who led the team—reportedly acted outside the bounds of police procedure.
Authorities disclosed that the officer discharged his weapon during the arrest process, leading to the suspect’s death—an action described as a clear breach of police regulations.
Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate transfer of ASP Usman and the officers involved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. There, they are expected to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee and may face prosecution depending on the outcome of investigations.
The police leadership also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that justice would be pursued transparently and in accordance with the law.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as the process unfolds, with the Force reiterating its commitment to accountability. The NPF further stressed its strict stance against misconduct, reaffirming that it will not tolerate extra-judicial actions, abuse of power, or any behavior that erodes public confidence in law enforcement.
