The prosecution has closed its case against five defendants standing trial over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi before the Delta State High Court in Asaba.
The prosecution called six witnesses before bringing its case to an end on Tuesday.
The first defendant, ASP Usman Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, reportedly gave investigators different accounts of the shooting, stating in one statement that he shot Ogidi accidentally and in another that he acted out of anger.
Nuhu also reportedly admitted that the shooting was unjustified, saying he fired two rounds at Ogidi.
According to his statement, Nuhu initially attempted to shoot Ogidi at Effurun Motor Park but his rifle failed to fire. He subsequently took Ogidi to the police station, where he allegedly shot him again in the leg.
Nuhu said Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, questioned him and directed that Ogidi be taken to Ekpan General Hospital for treatment.
He told investigators that after Ogidi received treatment, he was returned to the police station, where Shaba ordered that Nuhu be disarmed and detained.
The other four defendants reportedly told investigators that Nuhu shot Ogidi without provocation and allegedly fired at him again despite the Area Commander’s intervention.
The court also heard testimony from Dr Clement of Central Hospital, Warri, concerning the post-mortem examination conducted on Ogidi on May 4, 2026.
Another prosecution witness, Waziri, reportedly told the court that Nuhu’s colleagues had an opportunity to prevent the shooting while he was disarming and reassembling his rifle.
During the proceedings, Nuhu reportedly collapsed but was revived before the hearing continued.
His lawyer, Uche Chibugwu, said the defence had completed its cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses and would file Nuhu’s witness statement on oath before October 21. He added that the defence would not apply for bail.
The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri R. Anuwhi, said the prosecution was optimistic about securing a conviction, describing the evidence presented before the court as strong.
Justice Michael Nduka Obi adjourned the case until October 21, 2026, for the defence to present its case.
The five defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
