Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has
approved the recommendation of the force disciplinary committee (FDC) for the
dismissal and prosecution of Nuhu Usman, an assistant superintendent of police
(ASP), and other officers over the killing of a suspect in Efunrun, Delta
state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Anthony Placid, the
force public relations officer, said the force disciplinary FDC, alongside
other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review of the incident
and established that the police officer ” acted in gross violation of Force
Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.”
“Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate
dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The
Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same
to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process,”
the statement reads.
BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, a trending video on social media showed the
shooting of the suspect, who had been restrained by a police officer attached
to the Delta police command.
In the less-than-two-minute video, the male suspect is seen
sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with a rope.
The video has since generated widespread public outrage,
with calls for the prosecution of the officer involved and justice for the
victim.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bright Edafe, police spokesperson
in Delta state, said the officer, identified as Usman Nuhu, an assistant
superintendent of police (ASP), has been arrested and transferred to the force
headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.
OFFICERS TO BE PROSECUTED
According to the force spokesperson, the affected officers
will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for
their roles in the extrajudicial shooting upon completion of the administrative
procedures.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the
strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance
stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power,” he said.
“No uniform confers the right to take life outside the
provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will
face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.
“The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to
the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi.
“He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the
family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly.
“The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is
not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public
confidence and institutional accountability.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and
law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to
discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of
all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.”
By
TheTimes Nigeria
