The Nigeria Police Force says it has launched a manhunt for two suspects linked to the extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi in Delta state.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, the police said the suspects include the driver who delivered the parcel allegedly containing a fabricated pistol and ammunition, as well as two members of a vigilante group.
The force said tactical teams have been deployed to arrest and prosecute them.
“The driver who delivered the parcel from Yenagoa, as well as two members of the vigilante group, remain at large,” the police said.
“Tactical teams have been deployed and coordinated investigative measures are ongoing to ensure their arrest and prosecution.”
BACKGROUND
The incident occurred on April 26 in Effurun, Delta state, after Ogidi allegedly received a parcel containing a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition.
According to the force, citizens at the scene apprehended Ogidi and handed him over to ASP Nuhu Usman and his team.
The police said Nuhu violated standard operational procedures by shooting the suspect despite being unarmed and already restrained.
“Rather than follow established police rules of engagement, ASP Nuhu shot and killed an unarmed, already apprehended suspect,” the statement reads.
The force said investigations by the police monitoring unit found Nuhu and members of his team culpable of professional misconduct, abuse of office and unlawful killing.
The police added that Nuhu and three other officers have been dismissed from the force following the conclusion of internal disciplinary procedures.
“The Police Service Commission has reviewed and ratified these recommendations. The dismissal is therefore confirmed and takes immediate effect,” the force said.
The police said the case file has been forwarded to the office of the attorney-general of the federation for vetting and prosecution.
The force also assured the family of the deceased and the public that justice would be served.
“No rank, no position, and no circumstance will be permitted to place any officer above accountability,” the police added.