Killing of Delta Suspect: ASF France Pushes for Justice as Police Officer Faces Trial

By Christiana Nnaemeka

Avocats Sans Frontières France has called for justice following the alleged extrajudicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, on April 26, 2026.
According to reports, Ogidi was shot dead by ASP Nuhu Usman, an officer attached to the Effurun Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement issued by its Country Director, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, ASF France acknowledged the arrest of the officer but stressed that this is only the first step toward full accountability.
The organisation described the killing as a violation of due process and a breach of the fundamental right to life as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution. It also noted that the act contravenes the principle of presumption of innocence, which guarantees that every individual is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
ASF France further stated that the incident violates police operational rules, particularly Force Order 237, which restricts the use of firearms to situations involving imminent threat to life. The group cited circulating video evidence allegedly showing that the victim was restrained and posed no danger at the time of the shooting.
It added that the killing also breaches international legal standards, including provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary deprivation of life.
Calling for accountability, ASF France emphasised that law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest and prosecute suspects—not to act as judge and executioner. It warned that extrajudicial killings erode public trust and undermine democratic institutions.
The group urged Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation, ensure prosecution of those responsible, and provide justice and support to the victim’s family. It also pledged to monitor the case to prevent it from ending in impunity.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that ASP Nuhu Usman will face disciplinary action and prosecution at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe described the incident as unfortunate and inconsistent with the command’s standards. He explained that the operation followed intelligence alleging that the deceased was attempting to transport a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with ammunition.
According to Edafe, officers were deployed to apprehend the suspect, but during the process, the officer allegedly discharged his firearm, resulting in Ogidi’s death.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, ordered the immediate arrest of the officer and his transfer to the State Headquarters in Asaba. He has since been moved to Abuja, where he is expected to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee.
The police reiterated their commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and accountability, stressing zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions among its personnel.