From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the dismissal and prosecution of a police officer implicated in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State.
The principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, was found culpable over the fatal shooting of a young man identified as Oghenemine Ogidi during an incident that occurred on April 26 in Effurun, a commercial hub in Delta State.
The development followed the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the police authorities after the tragic incident triggered public outrage and renewed concerns over the unlawful use of firearms by security personnel.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police disclosed that the Inspector-General immediately ordered the withdrawal of all officers connected to the incident from the Delta State Command.
The affected officers were subsequently redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja to undergo disciplinary procedures before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC).
According to the police, the committee carried out an extensive review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and found that ASP Usman acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other regulations governing the use of firearms by police officers.
The panel concluded that the officer’s conduct was unlawful, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Force Disciplinary Committee found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other regulations guiding the use of firearms. It was established that the officer’s actions amounted to unlawful and unprofessional conduct, representing a clear breach of his duty to protect lives and uphold the law,” the statement read.
Based on the findings, the committee recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Usman alongside other officers found culpable in connection with the incident.
The recommendation has since been approved by the Inspector-General and forwarded to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with statutory disciplinary procedures.
The police further disclosed that upon the completion of administrative processes, the officers involved would be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over the alleged extrajudicial killing.
The Force reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance against abuse of power, unlawful use of force, and other forms of misconduct by its personnel.
According to the statement, no police officer has the authority to take the life of any citizen outside the provisions of the law, stressing that erring officers would continue to face disciplinary and criminal consequences for their actions.
The latest action by the police hierarchy is being viewed as one of the strongest disciplinary responses in recent times involving allegations of police brutality and misuse of firearms.
The Inspector-General also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, Oghenemine Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would be pursued thoroughly to ensure justice, transparency, and accountability.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to upholding professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.
“No officer is above the law, and any personnel found culpable in acts of abuse, misconduct, or unlawful killings will face the full consequences of the law,” the statement added
The police leadership further appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while allowing the legal and administrative processes to run their full course.
