The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olutunji Disu, has ordered immediate disciplinary action against officers of the Nigeria Police Force involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the IGP described the incident as “criminal, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable,” stressing that it does not reflect the standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the officer at the centre of the incident, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, acted in clear violation of established procedures and Force Order 247 governing the use of firearms.
“Let me be clear: this action was criminal, it was unprofessional, and it has no place in the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated.
According to him, all officers involved were immediately transferred from the Delta State Command to Force Headquarters in Abuja, where internal disciplinary proceedings commenced without delay.
The IGP explained that both the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) and the Orderly Room Tribunal investigated the matter and confirmed serious violations of operational procedures and unlawful conduct.
He added that the panels recommended the dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers implicated in the incident, alongside prosecution for unlawful homicide.
Disu further stated that once the disciplinary process is concluded, the dismissed officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for criminal prosecution.
The recommendations have already been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for final approval.
Reaffirming the position of the Force, the IGP stressed that the actions of the officers were personal breaches of discipline and not reflective of the institution.
“The NPF is built on the rule of law, and we have zero tolerance for lawlessness within our ranks. No uniform is a license to kill,” he said.
He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, promising that justice would be served transparently.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mene Ogidi. A life has been lost, and no words can fill that gap. But I assure you, justice will be done and will be seen to be done,” he added.
The IGP appealed for calm in Delta State and across the country, urging citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands while assuring continued reforms within the police force.
