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Launch Manhunt for Driver who Delivered Parcel to Late Suspect
- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force has handed over the case of dismissed officer, ASPS Nuhu Umaru, and his team involved in the killing of 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
NPO Reported that the Force had arrested Nuhu and three other members of his team following the killing of Ogidi in Effurun area of Delta State.
The incident which occurred last month and captured in a viral video showed the disturbing moment the now dismissed ASP Nuhu shot the unarmed Ogidi at close range over alleged possession of firearms found in a parcel he went to receive at the bus park on behalf of a friend.
The extrajudicial killing of the suspect had sparked outrage which the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, in response, ordered the transfer of Nuhu and his team members to Abuja.
Providing update on the case to newsmen on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, confirmed that Ogidi was sent by a friend to collect the parcel which contained a Baretta pistol and ammunition.
Placid disclosed that preliminary investigation established that the action of ASP Nuhu and his team constituted professional misconduct and abuse of office.
“Following the incident, the leadership of the Force ordered an immediate and thorough investigation conducted by the Police Monitoring Unit.
“The investigation established that the actions of ASP Nuhu and members of his team constituted profressional misconduct, abuses of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace culminating in the unlawful killing of Mene Ogidi,.
“The Force wishes to unequovocally state that no criminal suspicon, however grave, justifies extrajudicial action.
“Every suspect, regardless of allegation against him, is entitled to due process under the law.” He said.
The police spokesperson said the recommendation for the dismissal of the officers have been ratified and confirmed with immediate effect.
“Following the conclusion of investigation, ASP Nuhu and three members of his team have been arrested and currently in custody.
“Internal disciplinary actions have been concluded against all officers found culpable.
“The Force wishes to state clearly and without ambiguity that all indicted officers have been recommended for dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force.
“The Police Service Commission has previewed and ratified this recommendation.
“Their dismissal is therefore confirmed and take immediate effect.” He said.
The police spokesperson thereafter disclosed that the case has been transferred to the office of the AGF for prosecution.
He expressed the Force to cooperate with the AGF and ensure that justic is served.
“The case file have been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution.
“The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to a logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction.” He said.
Placid further disclosed that a manhunt has been launched for the driver who delivered the parcel to Ogidi as well as for two vigilante members involved in his arrest.
“The driver who delivered the parcel from Yenagoa as well as two members of the vigilante group remains at large.
“Tactical team has been deployed and coordinated coordinated investigationn are ongoing to ensure the arrest and prosecution.” He added.