Effurun shooting: ‘No explanation for why he killed the suspect’ – Delta PRO
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) has expressed disbelief and frustration over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a suspect by a police officer, calling it one of the most difficult moments of his six-year career in public relations with the force.
Speaking on Channels TV, today, the PPRO described the shooting as an inexplicable tragedy, emphasizing the severity of the situation following the viral video showing the suspect’s final moments.
The video, which has sparked outrage across social media, shows 28-year-old suspect Mene Ogidi sitting on the ground with his hands bound behind his back. As he pleads for his life, asking the officers to take him to his alleged accomplice’s house in Sapele, one of the officers, dressed in civilian clothes, is seen cocking his rifle and shooting Ogidi in cold blood. The officers then proceed to load Ogidi’s lifeless body into a police vehicle.
“There’s no explanation for why he shot the suspect,” the PPRO said. “This is not only difficult for the police force but for all of us involved in this. The shooting of a restrained suspect goes against everything we stand for,” he said. There’s no justification for it. The police officer’s actions are completely in violation of the force’s established protocols, he added.
The incident occurred after operatives from the Effurun Area Command had received information about Ogidi, who was allegedly attempting to transport a package containing a Beretta pistol and ammunition. Upon his arrest, the situation quickly escalated, leading to the fatal shot fired by ASP Nuhu Usman. The officer, who had been leading the operation, was immediately arrested and transferred to the police headquarters in Asaba for further disciplinary action.
In a statement issued earlier this week, the PPRO condemned the action of the officer, identifying Ogidi as the suspect who allegedly attempted to deliver the firearm. “This unfortunate incident is one of the most difficult situations we’ve faced as a force. The actions of ASP Usman, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and police standard operating procedures, have resulted in the loss of life,” the statement reads.
The death of Ogidi has prompted widespread public outcry, with many questioning the police’s use of force in such a situation. The incident also raises further concerns about the treatment of suspects under the custody of law enforcement, especially regarding excessive use of force.
The PPRO, reflecting on the damage this incident has caused to the police force’s reputation, stated that the force is fully committed to upholding justice and transparency in the ongoing investigation. “We will not condone any form of brutality, and this case will be fully examined to ensure accountability,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the video of the shooting continues to circulate, fuelling anger and skepticism about the police’s handling of suspects, and bringing attention to the need for better oversight and reforms within the force. Public demand for justice grows louder, as citizens call for answers to why an unarmed, restrained individual was shot in such a manner.