The Nigeria Police Force has formally submitted the case files of four officers implicated in the extrajudicial killing of a suspect to the Attorney General’s Office of the Federation (AGF) for thorough investigation and prosecution.
During a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon explained that this action followed the approval of the officers’ dismissal by the Police Commission.
Okon emphasized that the police are committed to cooperating fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that the case is prosecuted effectively in the appropriate legal venues.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from Premium Times, the incident involved Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman and three other officers who allegedly executed a handcuffed individual in Delta State, located in southwestern Nigeria.
The officers, including Usman, were initially detained following the incident. They were later reassigned to military headquarters in Abuja for further disciplinary review.
The police later identified the victim as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, who was shot during the incident. Authorities confirmed last week that the officers, affiliated with the Efurun Division in Delta State, faced dismissal due to their actions constituting professional misconduct and an abuse of authority.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
Reports indicate that Ogidi was apprehended by Usman and his colleagues regarding a package that contained a handgun. Okon clarified during the press briefing that the package was sent to Ogidi from a friend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and was delivered by a driver.
After receiving the package, Ogidi reportedly proceeded to a motor park intending to deliver it to the specified recipient, whose name, address, and phone number were clearly labeled on it.
Investigation and Follow-Up Actions
Upon inspection, the package was found to contain a counterfeit Beretta handgun along with four live 9mm rounds. An eyewitness to the events called the police after detaining Ogidi, leading to Usman’s team responding to the scene. Instead of adhering to established protocols for handling arrested suspects, Usman fatally shot Ogidi, who was unarmed at the time.
Okon stated that the military is mobilizing tactical teams to pursue the apprehension and prosecution of suspects involved in such extrajudicial killings. He also revealed that investigations are underway to track down additional suspects linked to the incident.
A police spokesperson disclosed that those still at large include the driver who delivered the package from Yenagoa and two vigilante members associated with the situation.
