The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, intensifying accountability measures following public outrage over the incident.
The shooting, which occurred on April 26, has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly after a video of the incident circulated online, raising fresh concerns about police use of force and extrajudicial actions.
In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the directive followed an earlier order by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to withdraw all officers connected to the incident from the Delta State Command to Force Headquarters, Abuja, for disciplinary proceedings.
According to the statement, investigations by the Force Disciplinary Committee found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237, which regulates the use of firearms by police personnel. The committee described his actions as unlawful and a breach of professional conduct.
The committee subsequently recommended the dismissal of Usman and other officers found culpable. The IGP has approved the recommendation and forwarded it to the Police Service Commission for ratification, in line with established procedures.
The police said the affected officers would be handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution once administrative processes are concluded, signaling a rare escalation from internal discipline to criminal accountability.
The case has become a test of the Force’s commitment to reform, particularly around enforcement of use-of-force rules and public trust. Force Order 237 has long been at the centre of debates on police conduct, especially in cases involving civilian fatalities.
The IGP extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be served.
He also reiterated that no officer has the right to take life outside the provisions of the law, warning that any violation would attract the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.
The police urged the public to remain calm, reaffirming their commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
