The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Rilwan Olutunji Disu, has directed the immediate dismissal and criminal prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State. The victim, identified as Mene Ogidi, was killed during an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Disu described the shooting as “criminal, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable.” He stressed that the actions of the officers involved did not reflect the values or standards of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“The officer at the centre of the incident, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of established procedures and Force Order 247 governing the use of firearms,” Disu said. “Let me be clear: this action was criminal, it was unprofessional, and it has no place in the Nigeria Police Force.”
Upon receiving the report of the shooting, the IGP ordered the immediate transfer of all implicated officers from the Delta State Command to Abuja. There, they were subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) and the Orderly Room Tribunal.
The investigations confirmed breaches of operational procedures and unlawful conduct. Both panels recommended the dismissal of ASP Usman and other officers involved, alongside criminal prosecution for unlawful homicide. Disu explained that once dismissed, the officers would be handed over to judicial authorities to face charges.
The recommendations have been forwarded to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for final ratification, marking a decisive step toward accountability.
Disu reiterated that the misconduct was a personal breach of discipline and not representative of the institution. “The NPF is an institution built on the rule of law, and we have zero tolerance for lawlessness within our ranks. No uniform is a license to kill,” he declared.
He emphasized that the police force remains committed to reform and accountability, noting that the case demonstrates a new era of transparency in handling misconduct. “The era of impunity is over. We are demonstrating that every citizen, regardless of their uniform, is accountable under the law,” he added.
The IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the family and community of the deceased. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of the late Mene Ogidi. A life has been lost, and no statement can fill that void. But I give you my word: justice will not only be done, but it will also be seen to be done,” he said.
Disu urged residents of Delta State and Nigerians at large to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He assured that the police would pursue justice transparently and decisively, reinforcing public confidence in the system.
The Effurun shooting has reignited debates about police accountability in Nigeria, where concerns about excessive use of force have persisted for years. By swiftly ordering dismissal and prosecution, the IGP has signaled a strong stance against misconduct within the ranks.
Observers note that the case could serve as a turning point in efforts to rebuild trust between the police and the public. The emphasis on transparency and adherence to due process may help reassure citizens that the force is serious about reform.
For the family of Mene Ogidi, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic change to prevent similar incidents. For the Nigeria Police Force, the disciplinary action represents both a reckoning and an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to professional standards.
The dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the Effurun shooting mark a significant step in the Nigeria Police Force’s campaign to enforce discipline and accountability. While the loss of Mene Ogidi remains a painful reminder of the consequences of misconduct, the IGP’s decisive response highlights a broader commitment to reform. As the case proceeds to judicial authorities, the outcome will be closely watched as a test of the force’s pledge to uphold justice and restore public trust.
