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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center Rulaac (RULAAC) has noted the press release issued by the Nigeria Police Force regarding the fatal shooting of Mr Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State on 26 April 2026, and the disciplinary actions announced against the officers allegedly involved.
While the directive by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu Tunji Disu, to fire and prosecute the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, is a necessary step, it is grossly insufficient to address the full extent of accountability required in this case.
RULAAC is deeply concerned that the police statement mentions “other officers” believed to be guilty without revealing their names, ranks or specific roles. This lack of transparency raises serious questions and fuels public suspicion of a potential cover-up. The Nigerian public has the right to know:
– Who are the other officers involved?
– How many officers were present at the scene?
– What roles did each officer play in the incident?
– Why are their identities protected?
We also note credible reports that two vigilantes were present and involved in the operation. Their identities, roles and legal status in the operation must be clearly disclosed and they must be subjected to the same investigative and judicial processes.
Furthermore, RULAAC calls for the immediate suspension, investigation and prosecution of senior supervisory officers within the Delta State Command, including the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and the Assistant Inspector General of Police who oversees the area. Command responsibility is a critical component of accountability. It is unacceptable for senior officers to evade scrutiny when such serious violations occur under their watch.
Eyewitness accounts suggesting that the incident occurred on Sunday 25 April – contrary to the official date provided – further underline the urgent need for an independent and transparent investigation to establish the true facts and timeline.
RULAAC points out that issuing press statements and announcing dismissals have become routine police responses in cases of extrajudicial killings. Too often these announcements are not followed up with diligent prosecution. Cases are quietly dropped after the initial arraignment, reinforcing a culture of impunity within the Force.
This pattern has eroded public trust and encouraged the reckless and criminal conduct of some police personnel who perceive such disciplinary measures as mere public relations exercises rather than genuine accountability mechanisms.
To restore public trust and ensure justice, RULAAC calls for the following:
1. Full disclosure of the identities, ranks and roles of all officers and non-police actors involved.
2. An independent, transparent and well-documented investigation, with the participation of credible civil society and monitoring bodies.
3. Immediate suspension and investigation of supervisory officers for possible complicity or negligence.
4. Public tracking of the judicial process, including regular updates to ensure the case does not fade into obscurity.
5. Protection of witnesses and informants who could provide critical information.
6. Investigations into possible broader criminal networks, including allegations that the incident may be linked to illicit weapons-related activity.
Justice must not only be promised, but must be diligently pursued and seen to be done. Any intervention other than this will reinforce the cycle of impunity that continues to undermine the rule of law in Nigeria.
RULAAC warns that failure to ensure full accountability in this case will only pave the way for further abuse. As experience has shown, without real consequences, another accident could occur within a few days.
The Nigeria Police Force must demonstrate, through concrete and sustained action, that it is truly committed to ending extrajudicial killings and restoring the integrity of its operations.
Okechukwu Nwanguma is Executive Director, RULAAC
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