Effurun killing: Beyond dismissal – Demand for full disclosure, independent investigation and accountability
By Okechukwu Nwanguma
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre Rulaac (RULAAC) has taken note of the press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force regarding the fatal shooting of Mr. Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, on 26 April 2026, and the announced disciplinary actions against officers allegedly involved.
While the directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu Tunji Disu, to dismiss and prosecute the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, is a necessary step, it is grossly insufficient in addressing the full scope of accountability required in this case.
RULAAC is deeply concerned that the police statement mentions “other officers” found culpable without disclosing 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 a 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 being shielded?
We also note credible reports that two vigilante members 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 prosecutorial processes.
Furthermore, RULAAC calls for the immediate suspension, investigation, and prosecution of the 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 overseeing the zone. Command responsibility is a critical component of accountability. It is unacceptable for senior officers to evade scrutiny when such grave violations occur under their watch.
Eyewitness accounts suggesting that the incident occurred on Sunday, 26 April – contrary to the official date provided – further underscores the urgent need for an independent and transparent investigation to establish the true facts and timeline.
RULAAC emphasizes that issuing press statements and announcing dismissals have become routine responses by the police in cases of extrajudicial killings. Too often, these announcements are not followed through with diligent prosecution. Cases are quietly abandoned after initial arraignment, reinforcing a culture of impunity within the Force.
This pattern has eroded public confidence and emboldened reckless and criminal conduct among 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 demands 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 participation from credible civil society and oversight bodies.
3. Immediate suspension and investigation of supervisory officers for possible complicity or negligence.
4. Public tracking of the prosecution process, including regular updates to ensure the case does not fade into obscurity.
5. Protection for witnesses and whistleblowers who may provide critical information.
6. Investigation into possible wider criminal networks, including allegations that the incident may be linked to illicit arms activities.
Justice must not only be promised – it must be pursued diligently and seen to be done. Anything short of 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 abuses. As experience has shown, without real consequences, another incident may occur within days.
The Nigeria Police Force must demonstrate, through concrete and sustained action, that it is truly committed to ending extrajudicial killings and restoring integrity to its operations.
Nwanguma, the executive director of RULAAC, writes from Lagos
