The Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has said the action taken against ASP Nuhu Usman for shooting and killing a citizen should serve as a deterrent to other police officers.
The IGP addressed the press on Tuesday following a tragic incident that occurred in Effurun, Delta State, leading to the death of a citizen, Mene Ogidi.
An officer of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Nuhu Usman, acting in a manner that betrayed his oath, took the life of a citizen extra-judicially.
“Let me be clear: this action was criminal, it was unprofessional, and it has no place in the Nigeria Police Force,” the IGP said.
“Upon receiving the report, I ordered the immediate transfer of all involved officers from the Delta State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“The officers were compelled to face the full weight of our internal disciplinary machinery without delay.
“The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) was already in session, and I directed that ASP Nuhu Usman and the other Superintendent of Police face the FDC directly. Simultaneously, the three Inspectors involved were tried by the Orderly Room Tribunal.
“The investigation confirmed, without any ambiguity, that ASP Nuhu Usman acted in gross violation of Force Order 247 (which governs the use of firearms) and established Standard Operating Procedures.
“No level of criminal suspicion against a citizen justifies extra-judicial killing. Our duty is to protect life — not to extinguish it.”
He said the following recommendations have been made: “Dismissal from Service: The FDC and Orderly Room Tribunal have all recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and the other officers involved from the Nigeria Police Force.
“Criminal Prosecution: Upon dismissal, all officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities to face criminal charges for unlawful homicide.
“In line with constitutional requirements, I have formally forwarded these recommendations for dismissal to the Police Service Commission, PSC for final ratification.
“Let me state for the record: The actions of these officers do not reflect the values, training, or standards of the Nigeria Police Force. They acted against police proper procedures and violated Force Order 247.
“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.”
The IGP extended his condolences to the family, friends, and community of the late Mene Ogidi, adding, “A life has been lost, and no statement can fill that void. But I give you my word: justice will not only be done it will be seen to be done.”
He appealled to the residents of Delta State and the nation at large to remain calm and law-abiding.
“Do not take the law into your own hands. The era of impunity is over. We are demonstrating that every citizen, regardless of their uniform, is accountable under the law,” he said.
He added, “The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the people. We will continue to purge our ranks of those who betray our mandate. Justice for Mene Ogidi will be swift, transparent, and absolute.”
