Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olutunji Disu, has taken decisive action following the controversial killing of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State, ordering the dismissal and criminal prosecution of officers implicated in the incident that has sparked nationwide outrage.
The directive comes in response to a viral video that captured the fatal shooting of a suspect identified as Mene Ogidi, an incident that quickly drew condemnation from citizens, civil society groups, and legal bodies. The footage, which showed the victim restrained before being shot, intensified concerns about extrajudicial actions and the use of excessive force by security personnel...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Addressing the matter during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police chief described the actions of the officers as “criminal, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable,” stressing that such conduct is a direct violation of police operational guidelines and does not reflect the standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to findings from the Force Disciplinary Committee and an internal tribunal, the officers involved, including the principal officer identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, were found culpable of breaching established procedures governing the use of firearms. The investigation confirmed that the use of lethal force in the situation was unlawful and unjustified under existing rules of engagement.
Following these findings, the IGP approved recommendations for their dismissal, which have been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for final ratification. Once the administrative process is concluded, the officers are to be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities to face criminal charges related to unlawful homicide.
The police leadership also moved swiftly to ensure transparency in the investigation by transferring all officers connected to the case from Delta State to Abuja, where disciplinary proceedings were conducted without interference. This step, according to officials, was necessary to guarantee impartiality and reinforce public confidence in the process.
In his remarks, the IGP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force operates under the rule of law and maintains zero tolerance for misconduct within its ranks. He reiterated that wearing the uniform does not grant immunity from accountability, declaring that “no uniform is a license to kill,” a statement that has resonated strongly with a public already demanding justice.
The police chief also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the gravity of the loss and assuring them that justice would not only be pursued but seen to be done. His statement reflects an attempt by the force to rebuild trust at a time when public confidence in law enforcement remains fragile.
The Effurun incident has once again reignited national conversations around police reform, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Legal experts and advocacy groups have pointed to the case as a critical test of the system’s willingness to enforce discipline within security agencies and uphold constitutional safeguards.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on whether the promised prosecution leads to meaningful accountability. For many Nigerians, the outcome of this case is not just about justice for one victim, but a broader signal of whether the era of impunity within law enforcement is truly coming to an end.
