The Delta State Police Command has said it will prosecute a police officer involved in the fatal shooting of a suspect in Effurun, following widespread outrage over a viral video of the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on The Morning Brief, describing the killing as unjustifiable and deeply troubling.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, was allegedly shot dead by Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman on April 26, 2026.
According to the police, the incident occurred after operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command received intelligence that the deceased had been intercepted while attempting to send a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition through a waybill service.
Edafe explained that transport operators had recently been advised to inspect parcels amid concerns that criminal elements were using logistics services to move weapons and drugs.
He said the suspect was apprehended after the firearm was discovered during a routine check and was restrained before officers were instructed to bring him in.
“The instruction was very clear go and bring the suspect,” Edafe said.
However, in what the police described as a violation of Force Order 237 and the standard operating procedures of the Nigeria Police Force, the officer allegedly opened fire on the restrained suspect.
Edafe said the victim, who was reportedly tied and pleading for his life, was first shot unsuccessfully before the officer reloaded and fired again, killing him.
“One would wonder why a suspect who is not a threat to you, already restrained and begging for his life, would be shot,” he said. “It is not explainable, it is not pardonable.”
The police spokesperson described the incident as the most difficult moment of his career, adding that there was no justification for the officer’s actions.
He assured the public that the command would not shield the officer and confirmed that disciplinary processes were already underway.
“I’m very sure that he will have his day in court and face murder charges,” Edafe said.
He added that the officer has been transferred from Asaba through Benin City to Abuja, where he is expected to face further investigation and appear before the force disciplinary committee.
Edafe reiterated that every suspect has a right to life and warned against abuse of power by law enforcement personnel.
“Nobody has the monopoly of violence. Firearms are given to officers to protect life and property, not to take lives unlawfully,” he said.