IGP Orders Dismissal, Prosecution Over Delta Police Killing
Nigeria’s police leadership has moved to enforce internal accountability after approving the dismissal and prosecution of officers linked to the fatal shooting of a civilian in Delta State, a case that has drawn renewed scrutiny to rules governing the use of force.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, authorised the disciplinary action following the conclusion of internal proceedings into the April 26, 2026 incident in Effurun that led to the death of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi.
Details of the decision were outlined in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid. The statement confirmed that all officers connected to the incident were withdrawn from the Delta State Command and redeployed to Force Headquarters in Abuja, where an expedited disciplinary process was conducted.
According to findings by the Force Disciplinary Committee, the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, breached established operational standards. The report concluded that his actions violated Force Order 237, the regulation guiding the use of firearms by police personnel.
“Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law,” the statement said.
Based on these findings, the committee recommended the immediate dismissal of Usman and other officers deemed culpable. The Inspector-General approved the recommendation and forwarded it to the Police Service Commission for ratification, in line with statutory procedures governing police discipline.
The police further stated that once administrative processes are completed, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for criminal prosecution.
Reaffirming its position on accountability, the Force stated that “no uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law,” adding that any breach would attract both disciplinary sanctions and legal consequences.
Authorities also pledged transparency in the handling of the case. “The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served,” the statement added.
The police extended condolences to the family of the deceased, indicating that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The incident followed the circulation of a viral video showing Ogidi being shot during a police operation in Effurun. Police had earlier stated that he was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel suspected to contain a firearm, but the officer in charge discharged his weapon in violation of established procedures.
The case adds to ongoing national attention on police conduct and enforcement standards, particularly around compliance with use-of-force regulations and broader efforts to strengthen accountability within law enforcement institutions.