…IGP Sacks, Orders Prosecution of ASP Usman, Others
By Our Reporter
In what feels like a chilling replay of the infamous Ajah tragedy, the Nigeria Police Force has moved swiftly against officers linked to the fatal shooting of Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, with strong indications that the death sentence may be on the table.
Taking centre stage is Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has ordered the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the officers involved, following a fast-tracked disciplinary process.
The incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, has already drawn comparisons to the 2022 Ajah killing of pregnant lawyer Omobolanle Raheem, a case that shocked the nation and ultimately ended in a death sentence for the trigger-happy officer.
In the Ajah incident, ASP Drambi Vandi fired the fatal shot at a checkpoint on Christmas Day. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging by the Lagos High Court in October 2023, setting a grim precedent for police accountability.
Now, the spotlight is on Effurun.
According to police findings, ASP Nuhu Usman, the principal officer in the Delta incident, acted in “gross violation” of Force Order 237, which guides the use of firearms.
The Force Disciplinary Committee recommended outright dismissal for Usman and other culpable officers, a decision which was swiftly approved by the IGP and awaits final ratification by the Police Service Commission.
Police sources confirmed that once administrative formalities are complete, the officers will be handed over for criminal prosecution.
Like in 2022, the police is drawing a hard line. No uniform, IGP Disu says, gives the right to take life outside the law, stating that any officer who crosses that line will face the full consequences.