- Safiu Kehinde
The Delta State Police Command has identified and arrested the officer who executed an unarmed suspected gunrunner at Effurun area of the state.
NPO earlier Reported the killing of the suspect by the officer identified as ASP Nuhu Usman.
A disturbing video of the incident shared on X on Tuesday showed moment Usman shot the 28-year-old suspect identified as Mene Ogidi, at close range despite his plea.
Ogidi, whose was unarmed with his hands tied behind his back, dropped dead on the spot with his body evacuated by Usman and his colleagues.
The development had sparked outrage from members of the public with calls for the arrest of the officer over the extra-judicial killing.
Confirming the death of Ogidi in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bright Edafe, the Delta Police Command expressed its condolence with the family and friends of the deceased.
Edafe disclosed that the tragic incident occurred on Monday following the receival of a distress call by the Effurun Area Command.
The Police spokesperson explained that the deceased suspect was apprehended by members of the community following the discovery of Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition in his possession.
The community members contacted the Effurun Area Command which response deployed a team led by the Usman to the scene where the now arrested officer killed the suspect.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun received credible intelligence from members of the public regarding the deceased, who was reportedly apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.
“Police operatives were promptly deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody.
“However, the police officer leading the team, ASP Nuhu Usman, 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.” Edafe wrote.
Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, according to the police spokesperson, directed the Area Commander to immediately arrest Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action.
The officer had since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.
Edafe emphasized the Command’s respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force,
He reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.
According to him, the state’s Police Commissioner, Yemi Oyeniyi, extends his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Mene Ogidi, and assures the bereaved family that the Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.
The Police chief appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, as all necessary steps are being taken to bring the culprit to justice.