Extra-Judicial Killing: Why ASP Ogbegbe Must Be Investigated — Right Advocate

A human rights advocate, Christian Victor Oluebube, has called for a thorough investigation into the extra-judicial killing of a 28-year-old man, Ogidi Mena, in Delta State, involving a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, popularly known as Ogbegbe, of culpability.

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, at Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to an account shared by Victor, Mena had visited Effurun Main Park along Sapele Road to collect a waybill on behalf of a friend. Upon arrival, he was allegedly asked to pay additional charges due to the weight of the package and was further pressured by park officials to disclose its contents.

After being compelled to open the package, a Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition was discovered inside. The park leadership reportedly restrained Mena, who insisted he was unaware of the contents and offered to lead them to the sender.

The park authorities subsequently contacted the Uvwie Area Command, prompting the Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, to deploy a patrol team led by ASP Ogbegbe to take custody of the suspect.

However, Victor alleged that upon arrival at the scene, ASP Ogbegbe acted outside professional conduct. He claimed the officer, amid cheers from bystanders, shot Mena in the hand before he was taken into a patrol vehicle.

Mena was said to still be alive when he was transported to the Ekpan Police Station. The situation reportedly escalated further at the station, where the officer allegedly shot the suspect multiple times, resulting in his death.

Sources indicated that ACP Shaba, upon hearing gunshots at the station, intervened by ordering the immediate disarmament and detention of the officer and members of his team.

Victor further alleged that the officers involved had since been transferred from Delta State to higher authorities for further investigation, with possible disciplinary actions expected.

While recounting past encounters with the officer, Victor accused Ogbegbe of a pattern of misconduct dating back to his time in the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), including alleged threats and extortion.

He questioned the motive behind the alleged killing, suggesting that the officer may have been attempting to conceal critical information.

“This is a clear case of murder. Even if the victim was found in possession of a firearm, it does not justify taking his life without due process,” Victor stated.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Command to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation, stressing that justice must be served.