A 28-year-old man, identified as Ogidi Mena, has reportedly been shot dead in what observers are describing as an alleged case of extra-judicial killing involving a police officer in Delta State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, April 26, has sparked public concern and calls for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officer involved, identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, popularly known as Ogbegbe.
According to eyewitness accounts, Mena had visited Effurun Main Motor Park along Sapele Road to collect a waybill on behalf of a friend. Sources at the park said he was asked to pay additional fees due to the weight of the package and was subsequently questioned about its contents.
He was reportedly compelled to open the parcel, which allegedly contained a Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition. Following the discovery, park officials detained him, during which Mena reportedly maintained that he had been sent by a friend to retrieve the package and offered to lead them to the sender.
The park leadership is said to have restrained him and alerted the police, contacting the Uvwie Area Command for intervention.
A patrol team led by ASP Usman was thereafter dispatched to take custody of the suspect. However, witnesses allege that upon arrival and sighting the firearm, the officer fired at Mena, injuring him, before he was taken away in a patrol vehicle.
Sources further claim that Mena was still alive when he was transported to the Ekpan Police Station. It was at the station premises, according to multiple accounts, that the officer allegedly shot him again, this time fatally.
The Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, was said to have responded to the sound of gunshots, after which he reportedly ordered the immediate disarmament and arrest of ASP Usman and members of his team.
Police authorities have since escalated the matter. The officers involved were reportedly transferred from Delta State to higher command formations, including Zone 5 Headquarters in Benin, with indications that they may be moved to Force Headquarters for further investigation.
While the Delta State Police Command has yet to release an official statement detailing the incident, internal disciplinary procedures are said to be underway.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions, with civil society voices and concerned individuals demanding accountability and justice. Many have questioned the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, particularly as the suspect was already in custody at the time of the alleged killing.
Legal analysts note that even in cases involving possession of illegal firearms, due process requires arrest, investigation, and prosecution—not summary execution.
As investigations continue, attention has also turned to the role of those who initially detained Mena at the motor park, with calls for all parties involved to provide full statements to aid the inquiry.
The case has intensified ongoing conversations about police conduct, use of force, and the need for reforms to prevent abuse of power within law enforcement agencies.
Authorities are yet to confirm a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation, but public pressure is mounting for transparency and justice in the matter.