A police officer standing trial over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi in Delta State has reportedly admitted that the shooting was unjustified.
ASP Usman Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, is the first of five defendants facing trial before the Delta State High Court in Asaba. The prosecution closed its case on Tuesday after calling six witnesses.
According to evidence presented in court, Nuhu gave investigators conflicting accounts of the incident, reportedly stating in one statement that he shot Ogidi by mistake and in another that he acted out of anger.
Nuhu allegedly told investigators that he fired two rounds at Ogidi, initially at Effurun Motor Park after his rifle failed to fire. He later took Ogidi to a police office, where he allegedly shot him again in the right leg.
The officer said Area Commander ACP Aliyu Shaba questioned him and ordered that Ogidi be taken to Ekpan General Hospital for treatment. After Ogidi was treated, he was reportedly taken back to the police office, where the Area Commander ordered that Nuhu be disarmed and detained.
Other defendants reportedly told investigators that Nuhu shot Ogidi without provocation and continued shooting despite intervention by the Area Commander.
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The court also heard evidence relating to Ogidi’s post-mortem examination conducted on May 4, 2026. A prosecution witness further told the court that Nuhu’s colleagues had an opportunity to stop the shooting while he disarmed and reassembled his rifle.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Nuhu reportedly collapsed but was revived before the hearing continued.
The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri R. Anuwhi, said the prosecution was hopeful of securing a conviction, stating that the evidence before the court was overwhelming.
Justice Michael Nduka Obi adjourned the case until October 21, 2026, for the defence to proceed.
The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
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