Nigeria Police Hand Over Officers in Extra-judicial Killing Case for Prosecution, Hunt Fleeing Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has taken a significant step by handing over the case file of four officers implicated in the brutal extrajudicial killing of a suspect to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). This action follows the recent dismissal of the implicated officers by the Police Service Commission, a move that signals a commitment to accountability within the force. The officers, including Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, were filmed executing a handcuffed man, identified as Mene Ogidi, in Delta State. The graphic footage sparked widespread outrage and demanded swift action.

Force spokesperson Anthony Okon emphasized the police's full cooperation with the AGF's office to ensure the matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion. This includes a manhunt for other individuals involved who have since fled. The victim, Mr. Ogidi, was reportedly arrested over a delivered parcel containing a fabricated Beretta pistol and ammunition. However, instead of following due process, Usman and his team allegedly shot and killed the unarmed suspect at a motor park, despite being formally handed over to them by witnesses.

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Nuhu Usman, an Assistant Superintendents of Police and members of his team responded and arrived at the scene and the suspect was formally handed over to the team “At that point, rather than follow established police rules of engagement and standard operational procedures, Usman shot and killed the unarmed, already-apprehended suspect,”

This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges with police brutality and impunity in Nigeria. While the police leadership's decision to dismiss the officers and refer the case for prosecution is commendable, the public will be watching closely to ensure justice is served. The focus now shifts to the AGF's office to diligently prosecute the case and to the police's efforts in apprehending the fleeing suspects. The successful prosecution of this case is crucial not only for delivering justice to the victim and his family but also for rebuilding public trust in the law enforcement agencies.

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The Force would “cooperate fully” with the AGF’s office to ensure that the matter was prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction.