The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the dismissal and prosecution of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman over the killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State.
The decision followed the outcome of a review conducted by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which examined the circumstances surrounding the incident alongside other internal disciplinary processes.
Addressing an emergency press conference in Abuja, the IGP disclosed that the officer, along with members of his team found culpable, had been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police, the disciplinary panel concluded that the officer “acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.”
The committee subsequently recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Usman and other officers implicated in the case.
“Upon dismissal, all officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities to face criminal charges for unlawful homicide,” the IGP said.
Disu confirmed that he had approved the recommendations and forwarded them to the Police Service Commission for ratification in accordance with due process.
Reaffirming the Force’s position on accountability, the IGP stated that the Nigeria Police Force maintains zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings and abuse of authority.
“No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences,” he said.
The police chief also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would be handled with seriousness.
He said the Force remains committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done in a way that strengthens public trust and institutional accountability.
Disu further appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the police remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The killing of Ogidi had sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and transparency from the Force.
Police authorities said the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun reportedly acted on intelligence that the deceased had been apprehended while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing “a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.”
What you should know
The dismissal and planned prosecution of ASP Nuhu Usman marks a significant step in addressing concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, particularly on social media, where many citizens demanded justice for Mene Ogidi. By approving disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the police leadership appears to be signalling a stricter approach to accountability within the Force.
However, public confidence will largely depend on whether the Police Service Commission ratifies the recommendation and whether the judicial process is conducted transparently.
The outcome may set an important precedent for future cases involving police misconduct.
