…Victim Identified As 28-Year-Old
…IGP Orders Investigation, Officer Arrested, Moved To Force Headquarters
The Delta State Police Command has arrested an officer captured in a viral video allegedly shooting dead a handcuffed suspect in a shocking incident that has triggered nationwide outrage and fresh concerns over police brutality in Nigeria.
The spokesperson for the command, Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, describing the incident as “unfortunate” and contrary to established operational procedures of the force.
The officer, identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, was attached to the Area Command in Effurun, Delta State, where the incident reportedly occurred on Sunday.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, was allegedly killed while in police custody after being arrested in connection with the recovery of a firearm.
The incident came to public attention after a human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, circulated a disturbing video clip showing the handcuffed suspect seated on the ground, surrounded by armed police operatives.
In the footage, the victim was heard repeatedly pleading to “explain everything,” insisting that he had been misled by associates. Moments later, one of the officers was seen cocking his rifle before allegedly shooting the man at close range.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society groups and rights advocates, who demanded accountability and prosecution.
According to the police statement, operatives had acted on “credible intelligence” regarding a suspected arms trafficking case involving the deceased.
“The operatives were responding to information that the suspect was attempting to move a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition,” Edafe said.
He added that while the suspect had been taken into custody, the officer in charge allegedly violated Force operational guidelines by opening fire, resulting in the suspect’s death.
The police said the action contravened Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force.
Following the incident, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reportedly ordered the immediate arrest of the officer and his transfer to the state headquarters in Asaba before being moved to Abuja for further disciplinary proceedings.
Edafe confirmed that the officer has been queried and handed over to the Force Headquarters, where he is expected to face the Force Disciplinary Committee.
“The officer will appear before the committee for appropriate disciplinary sanctions and possible prosecution,” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the killing and directed that all officers involved be subjected to disciplinary procedures.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Okon, the IGP expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured that justice would not be compromised.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust,” the statement said.
