The Inspector-General of Police, I-G, Mr Olatunji Disu, has recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers implicated in the murder of Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State
The I-G, at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, said the affected officers included Nuhu Usman, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, and five other team members, while Olatunji Disu described the April 26 incident as a “criminal and unprofessional” act that betrayed the fundamental oath of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Let me be clear; this action is criminal; it is unprofessional and has no place in the Nigeria Police Force. No uniform is a license to kill,” he said.
The I-G said he ordered the immediate transfer of the officers involved to Abuja to face the Force Disciplinary Committee and an Orderly Room Tribunal, which were already in session.
“The investigation confirmed, without any ambiguity, that ASP Nuhu Usman acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 (which governs the use of firearms) and established Standard Operating Procedures.
“No level of criminal suspicion against a citizen justifies extra-judicial killing. Our duty is to protect life not to extinguish it,” he said.
Disu also said that the FDC and Orderly Room Tribunal had recommended the immediate dismissal of Usman, two superintendents, and three Inspectors involved.
Also Read: Lawyers seek trial of killer policeman
He said that once dismissed, the officers would be handed over to judicial authorities to face charges for unlawful homicide.
The I-G further said that the recommendations had been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for final constitutional ratification.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to maintain zero-tolerance policy for lawlessness within its ranks.
He said that the officers’ actions violated Force Order 237 and did not reflect the values or training of the institution.
Disu extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, and pledged that justice would be swift, transparent, and absolute.
“I give you my word; justice will not only be done it will be seen to be done,” he said.
He urged citizens to refrain from taking laws into their own hands and appealed for calm in Delta and the nation at large.
“I appeal to the residents of Delta and the nation at large to remain calm and law-abiding. Do not take the law into your own hands.
“The era of impunity is over. We are demonstrating that every citizen, regardless of their uniform, is accountable under the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the people. We will continue to purge our ranks of those who betray our mandate.
“Justice for Mene Ogidi will be swift, transparent, and absolute,” he promised.
He said that a delegation, headed by an Assistant-Inspector General was already in Delta State to meet with the family of the victim adding that every other thing will follow to calm down nerves.
NAN
