IGP Orders Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers Over Delta Murder
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the dismissal and criminal prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State.
The directive follows the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings into the April 26, 2026 incident that led to the death of 28 year old Mene Ogidi during a police operation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that all officers linked to the incident were withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary review.
The statement revealed that findings of the Force Disciplinary Committee indicted the principal officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, for gross misconduct and violation of Force Order 237 as well as other regulations guiding the use of firearms.
According to the committee, the officer’s actions were unlawful and fell short of professional standards expected of personnel, describing the incident as a breach of the duty to preserve life and uphold the law.
Based on the recommendations of the committee, the Inspector General of Police approved the immediate dismissal of Usman and other officers found culpable. The report has also been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for further ratification.
The police further stated that upon completion of administrative procedures, the dismissed officers would be handed over to relevant judicial authorities for prosecution.
Reiterating its position on accountability, the Force maintained that no officer is permitted to take a life outside legally established procedures, warning that violations of operational guidelines would attract strict disciplinary and criminal sanctions.
The statement also assured the public of transparency in the process, stressing that justice would not only be done but would be seen to be done.
The Force extended condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring that the matter would be thoroughly addressed.
The incident attracted widespread attention after a viral video surfaced showing the victim being shot during a police operation in Effurun. The police had earlier stated that Ogidi was arrested while allegedly attempting to move a parcel suspected to contain a firearm, but acknowledged that the discharge of the weapon contravened operational procedures.
The development adds to growing concerns over police conduct and reinforces ongoing calls for greater professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights within law enforcement agencies.
