Ogidi Trial: Prosecution Closes Case After Court Hears Ex-ASP Called Shooting Unjustified

The prosecution has closed its case against five dismissed police officers standing trial over the death of Delta State musician and delivery worker Oghenemine “Mene” Ogidi following testimony from six witnesses.

Proceedings continued on Tuesday before the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba, where evidence relating to former Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, was presented.

The court heard that Nuhu gave investigators different explanations for the April shooting, at one point describing it as an error and in another account saying he acted out of anger.

Investigators also recorded him acknowledging that the shooting was unjustified.

Nuhu has, however, previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge against him, meaning the statements form part of evidence being considered by the court and do not amount to a conviction.

Ogidi was shot twice, statement says

According to evidence presented during the prosecution’s case, Nuhu told investigators that he fired two shots at Ogidi.

His account indicated that the first shooting occurred at Effurun Motor Park after his firearm initially failed to discharge.

He subsequently said Ogidi was taken to the police office, where another shot was fired into his right leg.

The court was told that Area Commander ACP Aliyu Shaba later questioned Nuhu and directed that Ogidi be taken to Ekpan General Hospital for treatment.

Ogidi later died following the incident.

Other officers gave accounts to investigators

Four other dismissed officers are standing trial alongside Nuhu.

They are former ASPs Onoloko Dauroupamo and Okoh Kelechi, as well as former Inspectors Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.

Evidence presented by prosecutors indicated that the other defendants told investigators that Nuhu fired at Ogidi without provocation.

A prosecution witness also told the court that the officers present had an opportunity to intervene during the sequence of events.

The extent of any legal responsibility borne by those officers remains a question for the court.

Five officers previously pleaded not guilty

The five defendants were formally arraigned in June following the April 26 incident in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

Nuhu faces a murder charge, while the other four defendants have faced charges connected to alleged negligent acts causing harm.

All five pleaded not guilty.

They had earlier been remanded in custody following the commencement of proceedings over Ogidi’s death.

The Nigeria Police Force had also subjected the officers to internal disciplinary proceedings before the criminal trial.

Police earlier ordered dismissal and prosecution

Following widespread public reaction to footage of the shooting, the Nigeria Police Force announced disciplinary action against officers linked to the incident.

In an official statement issued in April, police authorities said an internal investigation concluded that Nuhu had violated rules governing the use of firearms.

The Force subsequently approved disciplinary recommendations against officers found culpable and moved toward their prosecution.

That internal police finding is separate from the criminal trial now before the Delta State High Court.

A criminal conviction can only be determined by the court after considering the prosecution and defence cases.

Post-mortem evidence presented

The court also heard evidence relating to a post-mortem examination conducted on Ogidi on May 4, 2026.

A doctor from Central Hospital, Warri, testified during the prosecution’s case concerning the examination.

The prosecution has now concluded the presentation of its witnesses.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Nuhu reportedly collapsed in court but was revived, after which proceedings continued.

Defence to open case

Nuhu’s lawyer, Uche Chibugwu, said the defence had completed its cross-examination of prosecution witnesses and would submit Nuhu’s witness statement on oath ahead of the next hearing.

He also said the defence would not apply for bail at this stage.

Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions Tejiri R. Anuwhi said prosecutors remained confident in the evidence presented, while stressing their expectation that the judicial process would determine the case.

The matter was adjourned until October 21, 2026, when the defence is expected to begin presenting its case.

Until a judgment is delivered, all five defendants remain presumed innocent under the law.