IGP Approves Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers Over Killing of Delta Suspect

IGP approves dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the killing of a handcuffed suspect in Delta State, as outrage grows over the viral shooting incident.

Written by Chisom Adaeze

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has approved the dismissal and prosecution of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman and other officers implicated in the controversial killing of a suspect in Effurun, Delta State.

The decision followed the conclusion of investigations by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which found the officers culpable of gross misconduct and violations of police operational procedures governing the use of firearms.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the disciplinary panel established that the officers acted in clear violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations guiding police conduct and the lawful application of force.

The statement noted that the recommendation for the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers involved has already been approved by the IGP and forwarded to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.

The incident, which sparked nationwide outrage, came to public attention after a disturbing video surfaced online showing a male suspect identified as Mene Ogidi sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back moments before he was shot.

The video, which circulated widely across social media platforms on Tuesday, triggered condemnation from Nigerians, human rights advocates, and civil society groups who demanded justice for the deceased and sanctions against the officers involved.

Earlier, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, Bright Edafe, confirmed that ASP Usman Nuhu had been arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.

Anthony Placid further disclosed that the implicated officers would face criminal prosecution upon the completion of administrative procedures.

“The affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting,” the statement read.

The police authorities reiterated that the force maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward extra-judicial killings, abuse of power, and violations of citizens’ rights.

“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,” the statement added.

The IGP also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would be handled with seriousness and transparency.

“He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly,” the statement said.

The police leadership maintained that justice would be pursued in a way that restores public confidence in the institution and strengthens accountability within the force.

The development has reignited conversations around police brutality, accountability, and the urgent need for sustained reforms within Nigeria’s policing system, as citizens continue to demand professionalism and respect for human rights from security agencies.