The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in a fatal shooting incident in Delta State, describing their actions as criminal and a gross violation of the Nigeria Police Force’s operational standards.
At the centre of the case is Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman, who, according to the police leadership, breached established rules governing the use of firearms. The IGP said the officer’s conduct contravened Force Order 247, a key regulation that outlines how weapons should be handled in the line of duty.
Speaking on the development, the IGP stressed that the actions of the officer and others involved fell far below the expectations of the Force.
“The officer at the centre of the incident, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of established procedures and Force Order 247 governing the use of firearms,” he said.
“Let me be clear: this action was criminal, it was unprofessional, and it has no place in the Nigeria Police Force.”
The IGP explained that immediate steps were taken once the incident was reported. All officers linked to the case were transferred from Delta State Command to Abuja to ensure a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation.
The matter was subsequently reviewed by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) alongside the Orderly Room Tribunal, both of which examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Their findings confirmed serious breaches of operational procedures and unlawful conduct by the officers involved.
“The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside the Orderly Room Tribunal, subsequently investigated the matter, with the proceedings confirming violations of operational procedures and unlawful conduct,” the police chief stated.
Following the investigation, both panels recommended the dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other implicated officers from the Force. They also advised that the officers be prosecuted for unlawful homicide.
The IGP confirmed that the recommendations have been accepted and that due process is underway to enforce them.
“Both the FDC and the tribunal recommended the dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other implicated officers from the Force, in addition to criminal prosecution for unlawful homicide.
“Upon dismissal, all officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities to face criminal charges for unlawful homicide,” he added.
He further disclosed that the recommendations have been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for final approval, as required under Nigerian law.
While condemning the actions of the officers, the IGP was careful to distinguish between individual misconduct and the institution as a whole. He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law.
“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,” he said.
The police chief also extended his condolences to the family of the victim, identified as Mene Ogidi, acknowledging the gravity of the loss and the pain caused to the community.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of the late Mene Ogidi. A life has been lost, and no statement can fill that void. But I give you my word: justice will not only be done, but it will also be seen to be done,” he stated.
He appealed to residents of Delta State and Nigerians more broadly to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring that the Force is committed to ensuring justice and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
“The era of impunity is over. We are demonstrating that every citizen, regardless of their uniform, is accountable under the law,” the IGP added.
The development comes amid ongoing calls for police reform and greater accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies. Analysts say the outcome of this case will be closely watched as a test of the Force’s commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding justice within its ranks.
