A video circulating on social media has shown a Delta state police officer shooting dead a restrained suspect at close range, prompting authorities to arrest the officer and sparking widespread public outrage.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Effurun, Delta state. The video, which runs under two minutes, shows 28-year-old Mene Ogidi sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back, pleading with officers not to shoot him. He tells them in Pidgin English that a friend based in Sapele had deceived him and that he would lead them there.
“Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceive me. E dey Sapele. I go carry you go the place,” Ogidi begged.
As he pleaded, one of the officers – dressed in plain clothes – cocked his rifle and fired directly at him. Ogidi fell to the ground as bystanders watched. The officers then placed his body into a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked “The Nigeria Police Force Effurun Area Command, Uvwie.” Authorities alleged that Ogidi had a pistol on him at the time of his arrest.
The Delta State Police Command identified the officer as ASP Nuhu Usman and confirmed his arrest. Spokesperson Bright Edafe explained that operatives from the Effurun Area Command had responded to a tip-off about a suspect allegedly trying to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
