ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal of an officer and several others implicated in the killing of an unarmed civilian in Delta State, following internal disciplinary proceedings, officials said on Wednesday, April 30, 2026.
The officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, was among those found culpable in the death of Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old man who was killed in Effurun on April 26.
Police authorities said the decision followed findings by the Force Disciplinary Committee and the Orderly Room Tribunal, which reviewed the conduct of officers involved in the incident.
The dismissals remain subject to ratification by the Police Service Commission, in line with statutory requirements. Officials said the officers would be handed over for criminal prosecution once the process is completed.
Olatunji Rilwan Disu said the actions of the officers violated established procedures governing the use of force.
“No uniform confers a licence to take life unlawfully,” he said while addressing journalists in Abuja.
Violation of Police Procedures
The police said investigations established that Usman acted in breach of Force Order 247, which regulates the use of firearms, as well as other operational guidelines.
Disu described the incident as “tragic and unacceptable,” adding that the conduct of the officer amounted to a betrayal of his oath of office.
He said officers involved were transferred from Delta State to Abuja to ensure what he described as a prompt and impartial disciplinary process.
Senior officers were tried before the Force Disciplinary Committee, while three inspectors were arraigned before the Orderly Room Tribunal.
Official Response and Assurances
Disu said the police would pursue prosecution against those found responsible, emphasising that suspicion alone does not justify the use of lethal force.
“The primary duty of the police is to protect life and property, not to extinguish life,” he said.
He added that the actions of the officers did not reflect the standards of the force and reaffirmed a policy of zero tolerance for misconduct.
Police Service Commission Statement
In a separate statement, the Police Service Commission condemned the killing and described it as a violation of national laws and international standards.
The commission cited legal frameworks including the Constitution, the Anti-Torture Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigeria Police Act.
It also commended the Delta State Police Command for initiating disciplinary action against the officers, including suspension and interdiction pending investigation.
Police authorities expressed condolences to the family of the victim and called on the public to remain calm as the process continues.
The Inspector-General said the case reflects an effort to hold officers accountable regardless of rank, adding that justice for Mene Ogidi would be pursued through due process.
