ASP Usman Nuhu: Admits Ogidi Unjustified Shooting in Delta

• Usman Nuhu, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has admitted that his shooting of Oghenemine Ogidi was unjustified during an ongoing murder trial in Delta State.
• Nuhu provided conflicting accounts to investigators, initially claiming the shooting was "by error" or "out of anger," but later confessed to firing two rounds without justification.
• The prosecution has concluded its case against Nuhu and four other defendants, presenting six witnesses and evidence including a post-mortem report.
• Nuhu's counsel plans to file his witness statement on oath before October 21, 2026, and will not seek bail.
• The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions expressed confidence in securing a conviction, citing overwhelming evidence.

This direct acknowledgment of culpability from an officer involved in a fatal incident is a rare and significant development.

Usman Nuhu, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has admitted that his shooting of Oghenemine Ogidi was unjustified, a critical development in the ongoing Oghenemine Ogidi murder trial in Delta State. Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, is the primary defendant among five individuals facing charges before the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba. His confession to investigators included a direct statement acknowledging the lack of justification for his actions, specifically stating, "My shooting of the suspect was not justified. I fired two rounds to the suspect." He further clarified that his fellow officers were not complicit, asserting, "The other policemen did not conspire with me to shoot the suspect."

This confession by Usman Nuhu, a former ASP also known as Ogbegbe, emerged amidst conflicting accounts Nuhu initially provided to investigators regarding the incident. In one statement, he claimed the shooting occurred "by error," while in another, he attributed it to "anger." Detailing the sequence of events, Nuhu recounted first shooting Ogidi at the Effurun Motor Park after his rifle initially malfunctioned.

Following this initial encounter, he transported Ogidi to a police office. At the police office, Nuhu admitted to shooting Ogidi a second time, this time in the right leg. According to his statement, the Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, subsequently questioned him about the incident. Shaba then ordered Ogidi to be taken to Ekpan General Hospital for treatment. After receiving medical attention, Ogidi was returned to the police office, where the Area Commander instructed that Nuhu be disarmed and detained. The other four defendants in the case reportedly told investigators that Nuhu's actions were unprovoked and that he continued to fire at Ogidi even after the Area Commander intervened.

The prosecution has formally concluded its presentation of evidence against the five defendants in the Oghenemine Ogidi murder trial, having called six witnesses to testify before the Delta State High Court. This marks a significant phase in the police misconduct Nigeria criminal case, moving it closer to a verdict. Among the crucial pieces of evidence presented was the post-mortem examination report on Ogidi, conducted on May 4, 2026, by Dr. Clement of Central Hospital, Warri.

Further testimony came from a prosecution witness identified as Waziri, who informed the court that Nuhu's colleagues had ample opportunity to intervene and prevent the shooting. Waziri specifically highlighted that Nuhu's colleagues could have stopped him while he was disarming and reassembling his rifle, suggesting a potential failure of duty among the officers present. During the court proceedings, Nuhu reportedly collapsed but was revived, allowing the hearing to continue without further interruption.

The admission by Usman Nuhu, a former ASP, that the shooting of Oghenemine Ogidi was unjustified carries substantial weight for the ongoing Delta State High Court police brutality case and future instances of police misconduct in Nigeria. This direct acknowledgment of culpability from an officer involved in a fatal incident is a rare and significant development. The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri R. Anuwhi, expressed confidence in the prosecution's position, stating, "We are hopeful of a conviction at the end of the trial. The evidence before the court is quite overwhelming, and we hope that justice will be done for the victim and for all citizens."

For the defense, Nuhu's counsel, Uche Chibugwu, confirmed that the prosecution's witnesses have been thoroughly cross-examined. The defense plans to submit Nuhu's witness statement on oath before October 21, indicating their strategy to present his testimony formally. Notably, the defense has opted not to file a bail application for Nuhu. Justice Michael Nduka Obi has adjourned the case until October 21, 2026, to allow the defense to present its arguments. Despite the strong evidence and Nuhu's admission, all defendants retain the legal presumption of innocence until a court delivers a guilty verdict.

This development provides a strong precedent for cases involving police misconduct and unjustified use of force in Nigeria, offering a clear instance of an officer admitting culpability. Lawyers handling police brutality claims or advising on law enforcement accountability should note this admission as it strengthens arguments for liability and may influence future prosecutorial strategies in similar matters.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper