Delta police officer arrested after video shows him shooting restrained suspect dead 

A video circulating on social media has shown a Delta state police officer shooting dead a restrained suspect at close range, prompting authorities to arrest the officer and sparking widespread public outrage.

The incident occurred on Sunday in Effurun, Delta state. The video, which runs under two minutes, shows 28-year-old Mene Ogidi sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back, pleading with officers not to shoot him. He tells them in Pidgin English that a friend based in Sapele had deceived him and that he would lead them there.

“Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceive me. E dey Sapele. I go carry you go the place,” Ogidi begged.

As he pleaded, one of the officers — dressed in plain clothes — cocked his rifle and fired directly at him. Ogidi fell to the ground as bystanders watched. The officers then placed his body into a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked “The Nigeria Police Force Effurun Area Command, Uvwie.” Authorities alleged that Ogidi had a pistol on him at the time of his arrest.

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Police response

The Delta State Police Command identified the officer as ASP Nuhu Usman and confirmed his arrest. Spokesperson Bright Edafe explained that operatives from the Effurun Area Command had responded to a tip-off about a suspect allegedly trying to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.

“The police officer leading the team, ASP Nuhu Usman, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect,” Edafe said in a statement on Tuesday.

The commissioner of police has since directed that Usman appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee in Abuja — currently in session — for disciplinary action and possible prosecution.

Force public relations officer Anthony Placid confirmed that the inspector-general of police had ordered the immediate transfer of Usman and his entire team to Abuja.

“The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust,” Placid said, adding that the inspector-general had extended condolences to Ogidi’s family and assured them of justice.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, also condoled with the family, pledging the command’s full commitment to ensuring justice.