Ex-SARS Officer Accused of Cold-Blooded Murder of Delta Artiste

A shocking incident has emerged from Delta State, Nigeria, where a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, a former operative of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The tragic events unfolded on Sunday, April 27, when Mene was asked by a friend to collect a package at the Effurun Main Park. Upon arrival, a dispute arose when the package holder demanded money, which Mene did not have. During the altercation, the package was opened, reportedly revealing a pistol and ammunition.

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On getting to the park, he (Usman) opened fire and shot the boy. They took him to the area command, where he shot him three more times. That was how he killed Ogene Mene.

Eyewitness accounts and a viral video suggest that bystanders restrained Mene, and police were called to the scene. ASP Usman, who was reportedly off-duty and unassigned to the responding patrol team, allegedly arrived, drew his weapon, and opened fire on Mene at the park. The victim was then taken to the Ekpan Police Station, where he was allegedly shot multiple times more, succumbing to his injuries there.

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On Sunday afternoon, he was sitting in our backyard with my mum and me when a friend called him to help collect a package at Effurun Main Park on Sapele Road.

Mene's elder sister, Vine Ogidi, recounted the events, stating she was with her brother and mother when he received the call to collect the package. The family's grief is compounded by the fact that Mene is the second son his mother has lost to police bullets. Harrison Gwamnishu, founder of Safecity Foundation, who investigated the incident, corroborated the account, stating Usman shot Mene at the park and then again at the area command.

Further investigation by Sunday PUNCH revealed that ASP Usman had a history of unmanageable conduct, leading to transfers across at least five postings. Despite this, he remained in active service until the day of the alleged shooting. The incident raises serious questions about accountability and conduct within the Nigerian police force, particularly concerning former SARS officers.

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His phone was already faulty, so he asked my mum to give him her phone so that he would be able to call the person at the park. I even quarrelled with him.