The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olutunji Disu, has ordered the dismissal and criminal prosecution of police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun.
The directive, announced at a press briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, signals one of the strongest disciplinary responses by the Nigeria Police Force in recent times over allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.
IGP Disu condemned the shooting in unequivocal terms, describing it as a gross violation of police rules and professional standards.
At the centre of the incident is Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman, whom the police chief accused of breaching Force Order 247—the regulation guiding the use of firearms by officers.
This action was criminal, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable, Disu said, stressing that such conduct has no place within the Force.
Following reports of the incident, the IGP ordered the immediate transfer of all officers involved from Delta State Command to Abuja to ensure an impartial investigation.
The case was subsequently handled by internal disciplinary bodies, including the Force Disciplinary Committee and the Orderly Room Tribunal. Both panels found that the officers violated operational procedures and engaged in unlawful conduct.
Their recommendation was clear: dismissal from service and prosecution for unlawful homicide.
Disu confirmed that once the dismissal process is finalised—pending ratification by the Police Service Commission—the affected officers will be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution.
This means the case will move beyond internal discipline into the criminal justice system, where the officers could face homicide charges if found guilty.
Reaffirming the stance of the police hierarchy, the IGP emphasised that misconduct by officers is a personal breach and not reflective of the institution.
“The Nigeria Police Force is built on the rule of law. No uniform is a license to kill,” he stated.
He added that the Force has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and abuse of authority, particularly in cases involving the use of lethal force.
The police chief extended condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the gravity of the loss and the need for justice.
A life has been lost, and no statement can fill that void. But justice will not only be done, but it will also be seen to be done, he assured.
Amid concerns that such incidents could trigger unrest, Disu appealed to residents of Delta State and Nigerians at large to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He reiterated that the police are committed to transparency, accountability, and ongoing reforms aimed at rebuilding public trust.
The Effurun incident adds to growing scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in Nigeria, particularly around the use of force and accountability mechanisms.
Analysts say the decision to recommend both dismissal and prosecution could signal a shift toward stricter enforcement of discipline within the police, especially in response to public demand for justice in cases of extrajudicial killings.
The swift action by the IGP underscores a clear message: misconduct within the police force will carry serious consequences. As the case moves to court, it will likely serve as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to holding security personnel accountable under the law.
