A 28-year-old Delta-based musician, Mene Ogidi, was fatally shot by a police officer under circumstances that have sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over police brutality in Delta State.
The Incident
Ogidi had reportedly left his home in Effurun on April 27 after receiving a call from a friend who asked him to help collect a package at a motor park along Sapele Road. Shortly after arriving at the location, a disagreement reportedly broke out when he was asked to pay for the parcel.
Eyewitness accounts claim that the package was opened during the dispute and allegedly contained a firearm. Bystanders restrained Ogidi and alerted the police.
A patrol team was dispatched to the scene, but an officer identified as Nuhu Usman—who was reportedly off duty—joined the operation. Witnesses allege that he opened fire on the restrained victim at the park and later shot him again at a police station, where Ogidi eventually died.
Family’s Position
Ogidi’s family has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. His sister stated that the family has not been shown any evidence linking him to a weapon or illegal activity.
She also noted that the phone used to contact him could help identify the individual who sent him on the errand, but it remains in police custody.
According to the family, they initially reported him missing after he failed to return home, only discovering the truth after a video of the incident surfaced online.
Allegations of Cover-Up
Human rights advocates claim there were attempts to conceal the incident before the video emerged. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows the victim restrained at the time he was shot, intensifying public condemnation.
Officer’s Background
Sources allege that the officer involved had a history of misconduct and had been transferred across multiple units, including the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Despite previous complaints, he reportedly remained active in operational duties.
Police Response
Following public outrage, the Nigeria Police Force launched an investigation. Authorities confirmed that the officer and four others were dismissed from service and are expected to face prosecution.
Senior officers linked to the operation may also face disciplinary actions as part of ongoing internal reviews.
Calls for Justice
Civil society groups and activists have demanded full accountability, warning against any attempt to manipulate the case. Advocacy groups are also calling for deeper police reforms, including improved oversight, mandatory body cameras, and stronger disciplinary systems.
The case has reignited national conversations about police misconduct, years after the EndSARS protests that led to the disbandment of SARS.
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