Slain Delta musician Ogidi’s body awaiting autopsy, not missing - Police
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The Delta State Police Command refuted claims that the body of Oghenemine Ogidi, allegedly killed by police, is missing or that the family is denied access.
- Police PRO SP Bright Edafe clarified that the body is at the mortuary and the family will be allowed to see it, emphasizing that an autopsy is compulsory for the suspected murder case.
- The officer involved in the shooting, ASP Nsugbe Usman, has been arrested and transferred, while the Inspector-General of Police approved the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved.
In Delta State, the Police Command has stepped in to address circulating social media reports concerning the whereabouts of Oghenemine Ogidi, a young man allegedly killed by police officers. The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting the body is missing or that the family is being prevented from accessing it, aiming to quell public speculation and misinformation.
Edafe clarified that Ogidi's remains are securely held at a mortuary facility under the state's jurisdiction. He assured the public and the affected family that access to view the body would be granted. Crucially, he underscored that due to the nature of the incident – a suspected murder – a thorough forensic examination, including an autopsy, is legally mandated and has been agreed upon by the family. This process is essential for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ogidi's death.
His body is at the mortuary, and the family have been told that whenever they want to see it, they will be allowed to.
The command also provided an update on the personnel involved. The officer directly responsible for the shooting, ASP Nsugbe Usman, has been arrested and transferred to Force Headquarters for further disciplinary proceedings. Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police has sanctioned the immediate dismissal and subsequent criminal prosecution of all officers implicated in Ogidi's death. This decisive action signals the authorities' commitment to accountability and justice in this sensitive case, aiming to restore public trust while ensuring due process.
It’s a case of suspected murder, so an autopsy is compulsory, and the family also agreed to this.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.