The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed four officers implicated in the killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, and forwarded the case file to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, noting that the move followed the ratification of the officers’ dismissal by the Police Service Commission.
He said the dismissed officers, including ASP Nuhu, had been taken into custody after investigations established their involvement in the unlawful killing.
Placid stated that the case file had been formally transmitted to the AGF’s office for vetting and prosecution, adding that the police would cooperate fully to ensure justice is served.
According to him, the incident occurred on April 26 after the deceased received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he attempted to waybill to Sapele.
He explained that the parcel was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition, leading to a citizen’s arrest before police intervention.
The police spokesman, however, noted that ASP Nuhu, who led the responding team, shot the already apprehended and unarmed suspect, an act he described as a violation of the Force’s rules of engagement.
“The Force wishes to be unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extra-judicial action. Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” Placid said.
He added that internal disciplinary procedures had been concluded and all indicted officers dismissed with immediate effect.
Placid assured the public and the victim’s family that justice would be pursued, stressing that the Force would not shield any officer found culpable.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as efforts continue to apprehend other suspects linked to the incident.
