DELTA State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Usman Nuhu, over the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old suspect in Effurun, Delta State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred on Sunday, sparked outrage after a video showing the shooting surfaced online and went viral on Tuesday.
In the less-than-two-minute video circulating on social media, the suspect was seen seated on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with a rope while being restrained by another police officer attached to the Delta State command. Moments later, a police officer dressed in mufti allegedly shot him at close range.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the officer involved had been arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who also confirmed the development, identified the deceased suspect as Mene Ogidi.
According to Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command had responded to intelligence from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway concerning a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union.
The suspect was allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel said to contain a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
“Preliminary reports indicate that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible information from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway regarding a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition,” Placid stated.
He explained that while efforts were ongoing to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly discharged his firearm in violation of police regulations, leading to the suspect’s death.
“While efforts were being made to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in clear violation of extant regulations, resulting in the death of the suspect,” he added.
Placid further disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force had directed the immediate transfer of the officer and members of his team to Abuja, where they would appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.
He stated that the Inspector-General of Police had expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be served in line with the law.
“The Inspector-General of Police extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be served in accordance with the law,” he said.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the disciplinary and legal processes continue.
“He further urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course,” Placid added.
Reaffirming the position of the force, he stressed that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a strict stance against extra-judicial killings, abuse of authority, and misconduct capable of undermining public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust,” the statement added.