NIGERIA Police Force has dismissed four police officers, including Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman, over the fatal shooting of Mene Ogidi in Effurun.
News Point Nigeria reports that the police described the incident as unlawful and a serious violation of professional standards.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the decision followed the conclusion of an internal investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, into the April 26, 2026 incident that generated widespread public outrage.
According to the police, the incident began after Ogidi received a parcel sent to him by a friend from Yenagoa through a commercial driver.
The deceased reportedly proceeded to a motor park in Effurun to waybill the parcel to Sapele.
During routine checks at the park, the package was discovered to contain a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Bystanders were said to have intervened immediately, carried out a citizen’s arrest and alerted the police authorities.
Police officers led by ASP Nuhu Usman reportedly responded to the scene, where Ogidi had already been apprehended and was unarmed when he was handed over to them.
However, rather than following established rules of engagement, the officer allegedly opened fire on the suspect, killing him on the spot.
Anthony Placid disclosed that findings by the Police Monitoring Unit established that the officers involved engaged in professional misconduct, abuse of office and actions capable of breaching public peace.
“The Force is unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extra-judicial action,” Placid stated.
He stressed that every suspect is entitled to due process under Nigerian law.
According to him, the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary, while a certified pathologist is expected to conduct an autopsy to aid prosecution.
“Following the investigation, Nuhu and three members of his team were arrested and detained,” he added.
The police spokesperson confirmed that internal disciplinary procedures had already been concluded and all four officers were recommended for dismissal.
He further disclosed that the Police Service Commission had ratified the recommendation, making the dismissal effective immediately.
The case file, according to the police, has also been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution.
The police leadership pledged full cooperation to ensure the matter is diligently prosecuted in court.
Placid also revealed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects linked to the case, including the commercial driver who transported the parcel from Yenagoa and two members of a vigilante group allegedly involved in the initial arrest.
He said police tactical teams had already been deployed to track them down.
The police leadership reiterated its commitment to accountability and assured Nigerians, as well as the victim’s family, that justice would be served.
“The Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” Placid said.
He added that the handling of the case would reflect transparency and respect for human rights amid increasing public and international attention on the matter.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.