OGIDI MURDER: POLICE ASP ADMITS SHOOTING WAS ‘NOT JUSTIFIED’

The prosecution has closed its case against five defendants standing trial over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi, after six witnesses testified before the Delta State High Court in Asaba.

The case arose from the April 26, 2026 shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State. Ogidi had been detained by police over a parcel allegedly containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition when ASP Nuhu Usman shot him during the operation.

A video of the incident later triggered public outrage, while the police found that Usman had violated its rules on the use of firearms and ordered his dismissal and prosecution.

The development came as the first defendant, ASP Usman Nuhu, reportedly admitted in an investigation statement that his shooting of Ogidi was unjustified.

Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, reportedly gave different accounts to investigators, saying in one statement that he shot Ogidi by error and in another that he acted out of anger. He also reportedly admitted firing two rounds.

CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS

According to evidence presented in court, Nuhu allegedly first shot Ogidi at Effurun Motor Park after his rifle initially failed to fire. He reportedly said he subsequently took Ogidi to a police office, where he allegedly shot him again in the right leg.

The prosecution also presented evidence concerning a post-mortem examination. Other defendants are standing trial alongside Nuhu.

CASE NOW MOVES FORWARD

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With the prosecution closing its case, the defence is expected to present its evidence. Nuhu’s reported admission is evidence before the court and is not itself a conviction. The defendants remain presumed innocent until the court reaches a final determination.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the case illustrates the importance of allowing evidence to be tested in court, particularly where police officers are accused of using lethal force.

The final responsibility for determining what happened and who is legally responsible rests with the court.