A police officer has shot dead a restrained suspect in Delta State, triggering outrage after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced online.
The footage, which lasts under two minutes, shows the suspect sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back. He is heard pleading with officers not to shoot him, insisting he was misled by a friend.
The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, begged in Pidgin English, offering to lead officers to the alleged accomplice in Sapele.
“Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceive me… I go carry you go the place,” he said.
Moments later, an officer dressed in plain clothes cocked his rifle and fired at close range.
The suspect collapsed instantly as stunned bystanders watched.
After the shooting, officers were seen placing the body into a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked “Nigeria Police Force Effurun Area Command, Uvwie.”
Police response
Reacting to the incident, Delta Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the killing and identified the officer as ASP Nuhu Usman.
According to him, the officer has been arrested and transferred for disciplinary action.
Edafe said the suspect had earlier been apprehended while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.
He, however, stressed that the officer’s actions violated police rules.
“The officer discharged his firearm in clear violation of Force Order 237 and standard operating procedures,” Edafe said.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered an immediate investigation.
The officer has been moved to Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he will face the Force Disciplinary Committee and possible prosecution.
The video has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians questioning police conduct and the use of force against restrained suspects.
Authorities say they are committed to ensuring justice for the deceased.
