A disturbing video showing the fatal shooting of a restrained suspect by a police officer attached to the Delta State command has surfaced online, triggering widespread reactions.
In the clip, which lasts under two minutes, the suspect is seen seated on the ground with his hands tied behind his back. He repeatedly pleaded with officers not to shoot him, claiming he had been misled by a friend based in Sapele, Delta State.
Crying, he promised to take the officers to the said friend’s residence.
“Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceived me. E dey Sapele. I go carry you go the place,” the suspect begged in Pidgin English.
While the suspect was still appealing, an officer in plain clothes was seen cocking his rifle before shooting him at close range. The suspect immediately collapsed as bystanders watched.
The officers then moved the body into a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked “The Nigeria Police Force Effurun Area Command, Uvwie”.
Reports indicated that the suspect was allegedly found with a pistol, sparking outrage across social media platforms.
Click the link to watch the video.
Police response
In a statement, Bright Edafe, spokesperson of the Delta police command, said the officer involved has been moved to the force headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.
Anthony Placid, the force public relations officer, confirmed that the deceased, identified as Mene Ogidi, was apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel allegedly containing a pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
“Preliminary reports indicate that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible information from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway regarding a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition,” Placid said.
“While efforts were being made to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in clear violation of extant regulations, resulting in the death of the suspect.”
He added that the officer and his team have been transferred to Abuja to face disciplinary proceedings and possible prosecution.
“The Inspector-General of Police extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be served in accordance with the law,” he said.
“He further urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course.
“The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust.”
“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.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Effurun, to immediately arrest ASP Nuhu Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action.
“The officer has 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.
“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, 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.”