The Delta State Police Command has said it is yet to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the killing of a suspect by one of its officers, following the circulation of a disturbing video from the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, spoke on Wednesday during a live appearance on Channels Television, where he addressed public outrage over the footage showing a suspect being shot at close range by an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The incident, now widely condemned as an extrajudicial killing, reportedly took place on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Police operatives attached to the Area Command in Effurun had responded to intelligence provided by members of the public.
In an earlier statement issued by the command, the victim, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, was said to have been intercepted while attempting to waybill a parcel believed to contain a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
Officers were subsequently deployed to apprehend him. However, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly acted outside established rules of engagement.
The command noted that the officer, “in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.”
Reacting to the development, Edafe admitted the command was finding it difficult to provide a clear explanation for the officer’s conduct.
“Since my six years of public relations, this is my most difficult moment.⁶
“Because having an incident that cannot be explained is very difficult. There is no explanation for this. That policeman, I just don’t get what I would say was wrong with him.
“Police cannot attribute the problem to spirituality, but that may not be far from it. Because that is the only explanation one can give to what he did,” Edafe stated.
The controversial remarks come amid ongoing internal disciplinary proceedings within the command. The officer involved has since been arrested and transferred to Abuja, where further investigations are underway.
The video of the killing has sparked widespread reactions across social media and intensified calls for accountability.
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its stance against extrajudicial actions, assuring the public that due process will be followed in handling the case.