The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has reacted to a viral video showing the killing of a suspect by a police officer, stating that the command has no clear explanation for the incident and suggesting that “spirituality may not be far from it.”
Edafe made the remark during a live interview on Channels Television on Wednesday while addressing the controversy surrounding the video, which captured a suspect being shot in public by an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The incident, widely described as an extrajudicial killing, reportedly occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when police operatives attached to the Area Command in Effurun acted on intelligence provided by members of the public.
In an earlier statement, the police said the deceased, Mene Ogidi, 28, was apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel suspected to contain a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
According to the command, officers were deployed to take the suspect into custody. However, the officer leading the operation, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly violated Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force by discharging his firearm, resulting in the suspect’s death.
Expressing concern over the development, Edafe said the command was still trying to understand what led to the officer’s actions.
“In my six years in public relations, this is my most difficult moment. Having an incident that cannot be explained is very difficult. There is no explanation for this. That policeman I just don’t get what went wrong with him.
“Police cannot attribute the problem to spirituality, but that may not be far from it. Because that is the only explanation one can give to what he did,” he said.
The Delta State Police Command has since commenced internal disciplinary procedures. The officer involved has been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
The video of the incident has attracted widespread attention across social media and news platforms, sparking public outrage.
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its stance against extrajudicial actions, assuring that due process will be followed in handling the case.
Elijah Adeyemi
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