In connection with the shooting death of a suspect in Delta State, Mene Ogidi, the Nigeria Police Force has explained why a police officer opened fire on a suspect and also confirmed that it has detained the officer namely ASP Nuhu Usman.
The incident occurred on Sunday after police operatives from the Effurun Area Command responded to reports from the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway.
Recall that members of a transport union reportedly caught the guy when he was trying to waybill a package that included a Beretta weapon and four rounds of ammo. According to a statement by Anthony Placid, the police media spokesperson, the suspect was killed when ASP Usman, the team leader, discharged his handgun in violation of the law while efforts were being made to apprehend him.
“Preliminary reports indicate that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible information from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway regarding a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition,” Placid said.
“While efforts were being made to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in clear violation of extant regulations, resulting in the death of the suspect.”
“The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has directed the immediate transfer of the officer and his team to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they will face the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and prosecution.
“The Inspector-General of Police extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be served in accordance with the law. He further urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course,” the statement read.
The development comes amid viral footage circulating online, showing a young man, believed to be the deceased, visibly restrained with his hands tied behind his back while pleading for his life.
“Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceived me. E dey Sapele. I go carry you go the place,” the young man begged the officers in Pidgin English.
Usman, however, wearing a mufti, cocked his firearm and fired straight at the guy.
