The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (note: widely reported operationally as IGP leadership), has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman and other officers implicated in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State—an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over police conduct.
According to official statements from the Nigeria Police Force, the tragic incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when the young victim was shot during a police operation. The killing, which quickly went viral on social media, drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups and members of the public, reigniting debates around extrajudicial actions and accountability within the Force.
Following the incident, the IGP—identified in reports as Olutunji Disu—ordered the immediate withdrawal of all officers involved from Delta State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. This decisive move paved the way for an expedited internal investigation led by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) and other relevant bodies.
The outcome of the investigation was unequivocal. Authorities confirmed that ASP Nuhu Usman acted in gross violation of established police procedures, particularly the rules governing the use of firearms. The findings described his actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a direct betrayal of the oath sworn to protect lives and uphold the law.
Consequently, the disciplinary panel recommended the immediate dismissal of Usman and other officers found culpable. The IGP has since approved these recommendations and forwarded them to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for final ratification, in line with due process. Upon completion of administrative procedures, the affected officers are to be handed over to judicial authorities to face criminal prosecution for unlawful homicide.
In a strongly worded response, the police leadership described the incident as “criminal, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that such conduct does not reflect the values or standards of the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on extrajudicial killings and abuse of power, stressing that no officer has the right to take a life outside the provisions of the law.
The Force also extended condolences to the family of the late Mene Ogidi, acknowledging the gravity of their loss and assuring them that justice will not only be pursued but will be seen to be done. Authorities further appealed to the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course, even as they reaffirmed their commitment to institutional accountability and reform.
This case has once again placed the spotlight on the broader issue of police brutality in Nigeria. Observers note that the swift disciplinary action—if fully executed—could signal a turning point in efforts to restore public trust and enforce accountability within law enforcement agencies. However, many Nigerians remain cautiously optimistic, insisting that justice must go beyond statements and translate into tangible outcomes.
As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely, with expectations that this high-profile case could set a precedent for how misconduct within the security sector is handled moving forward.
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