Police Arrest Suspects in Gun Trafficking Linked to Extrajudicial Killing of Delta Youth Ogidi

By Tgnews Reporter

Nigerian police have arrested two suspects, including the alleged sender of a Beretta pistol and ammunition, in connection with the controversial shooting death of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi, popularly known as “Mene Ogidi,” in Effurun, Delta State.

Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the suspects were apprehended and transferred to the Effurun Area Command of the Delta State Police Command on Wednesday night.

One of the arrested individuals is believed to be the person who arranged and dispatched the firearm from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to Effurun via a commercial transport service.

The second suspect’s exact role is still under investigation, with some sources suggesting possible involvement in the transportation of the parcel. Investigators are working to establish the full chain of custody of the weapon and its intended recipient in Sapele.

Ogidi was reportedly en route to collect the parcel on behalf of a friend when he was intercepted by police operatives. He was allegedly shot and killed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman in the presence of other officers. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation over claims of extrajudicial execution.

In response to the killing, the Nigeria Police Force on April 29 announced the dismissal of ASP Usman and other officers involved. Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid stated that the dismissed officers would be handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

However, Ogidi’s family has expressed deep dissatisfaction, describing the police action as insufficient. In an emotional interview with BBC News Pidgin, Ogidi’s mother revealed that police had previously killed a younger son. She broke down while recounting how her son left home to pick up a “waybill,” begged the officers for his life, and was still shot dead.

“He told me he was going to collect a waybill for a friend in Sapele,” his elder sister recounted. “He borrowed my mother’s phone, collected transport fare from the recipient, and asked for directions. That was the last time we saw him alive.”

The family’s desperate search for Ogidi across multiple police stations yielded no information until videos of the arrest and shooting surfaced online. His sister described him as the family’s pillar, saying his death has left them devastated.

The case has reignited public outrage over police brutality, unlawful killings, and lack of accountability in Nigeria, issues that gained global attention during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

Human rights advocates are demanding a transparent investigation, full prosecution of all officers involved, and adequate compensation for Ogidi’s family.

Investigations into the movement of the firearm and the circumstances of the killing are ongoing.