The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Usman Nuhu, over the killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, sparked outrage after a video showing the suspect restrained before he was shot surfaced on social media on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the officer had been arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.
Also confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said Ogidi was apprehended at the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a pistol.
Placid said, “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.”
He added that while the officers were trying to take the suspect into custody, Nuhu allegedly fired his weapon in breach of police rules.
“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,” Placid said.
The police spokesperson said the Inspector-General of Police had ordered the immediate transfer of Nuhu and members of his team to Abuja.
According to him, they will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.
Placid said, “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 urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the disciplinary and legal processes to 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,” he added.