The Nigeria Police Force has escalated the case involving the killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, by forwarding the case file to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.
The move follows the confirmation of the dismissal of officers implicated in the incident by the Police Service Commission.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, announced the development on Sunday during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, describing it as a decisive step toward ensuring justice.
According to him, the case has now entered the legal phase, with the police pledging full cooperation with the Attorney General’s office to ensure diligent prosecution.
“The case file has been formally forwarded for vetting and prosecution. We will work closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure justice is served in a competent court,” he said.
Placid also confirmed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified as ASP Nuhu, along with three other officers, had been dismissed after being found culpable in the unlawful killing.
He noted that the recommendation for their dismissal had been reviewed and ratified by the Police Service Commission, making it effective immediately.
He added that the officers had been arrested and remain in custody, following the conclusion of both criminal investigations and internal disciplinary procedures.
The incident, which occurred on April 26, drew public outrage after details emerged surrounding the circumstances of the shooting. Investigations revealed that the victim had earlier received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he intended to send onward to Sapele.
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The package was later discovered to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, leading to his apprehension by civilians before police officers arrived at the scene.
However, according to the police, ASP Nuhu, who led the response team, allegedly shot the suspect despite the fact that he had already been restrained and was unarmed—an action deemed a clear violation of operational rules.
Placid stressed that no level of suspicion justifies extrajudicial actions, reiterating that all suspects are entitled to due process under the law.
He further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the case, including the delivery driver and two vigilante members.
Reaffirming the Force’s stance, the spokesperson maintained that accountability would be enforced without exception.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not protect officers who break the law. No rank or position places anyone above accountability,” he stated.
He urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course, assuring the victim’s family that justice would be pursued.