Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has condemned the killing of musician Mena Ogidi born Oghenemine Ogidi, aged 28 by a police officer in Effurun, describing the act as barbaric, unprovoked, and a grave violation of the sanctity of human life. The governor issued the condemnation on Thursday through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon.
“The killing of Mena Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman is unwarranted, unprovoked and barbaric. It is unlawful and a grave violation of the sanctity of human life.”
— Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Oborevwori said he received news of the killing with deep shock, stressing that no citizen deserved to be subjected to such brutality and that the protection of lives remained the cornerstone of his administration.
What Happened in Effurun on April 26
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when police operatives attached to Area Command Effurun received intelligence about Ogidi. According to reports, he was apprehended while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel said to contain a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.
During the operation, ASP Nuhu Usman, who led the team, discharged his firearm fatally shooting the 28-year-old musician. The circumstances surrounding the discharge have since drawn widespread public outrage, with many questioning why lethal force was used during what appeared to be an apprehension exercise.
Police Move Swiftly — Dismissal and Prosecution Approved
The response from the Nigeria Police Force was unusually swift. Governor Oborevwori commended Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the Force leadership for taking decisive disciplinary action, including approving the dismissal and prosecution of officers found culpable. The decision has been forwarded to the Police Service Commission for ratification.
The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured that the state government would closely monitor the case to its conclusion and provide support to Ogidi’s family throughout the process.
“No citizen deserves to be subjected to such brutality and death. The protection of lives remains paramount under my administration.”
— Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
The killing of Mena Ogidi has reignited the national conversation around police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria, a conversation that refuses to go away despite repeated promises of reform. Rights groups have long documented cases of excessive force by Nigerian security personnel, calling for systemic accountability that goes beyond individual dismissals.
For more on police accountability and human rights in Nigeria, visit the Amnesty International Nigeria page and the Nigeria Police Force official website.
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