Nearly two weeks after a viral video showed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman allegedly shooting 28-year-old musician Oghenemine “Mine” Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, controversy continues to trail the police investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that three additional officers were disciplined alongside the alleged shooter. However, the Force has refused to disclose their identities or clearly explain their specific roles in the incident.
The officers were reportedly part of the Effurun Area Command Surveillance Team led by Usman, also known locally as “Ogbegbe.” Authorities say they were punished due to their connection with the case, but critics argue there is no evidence they were present at the scene.
Civil rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who first released the video, insists the officers being punished were not involved in the shooting. He claims they were not on duty at the time and were wrongly implicated.
According to him, two unidentified civilians accompanied the police team to the location where the incident occurred. He further alleges that these civilians, who were not in uniform, have not been arrested or investigated.
Police sources, however, maintain that all members of the surveillance team were arrested because they operated together as a unit, even if not all were physically present during the shooting. They argue the detained officers will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
Adding to the confusion, a police spokesperson previously described some individuals involved in the operation as vigilantes rather than officers, raising further questions about who was actually present at the scene.
Meanwhile, activists are calling for a transparent investigation, urging authorities to release full details of all persons involved and ensure accountability.
Legal and civil society groups have also appealed for intervention, warning that the handling of the case could damage public trust in law enforcement if not properly addressed.
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