Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has described the recent killing of a suspect by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, as shocking and difficult to explain.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Edafe expressed concern over the incident, stressing that the officer’s actions were unjustifiable and do not reflect the values of the Nigeria Police Force.
Explaining what happened, “When the 24th Commissioner of Police assumed duty in Delta State, he held a stakeholders’ meeting where he advised park owners and courier (logistics) companies on the need to thoroughly search waybills before allowing them to be transported. This was because drug peddlers and arms traffickers had started using waybills to move such items.
“On Sunday, a young man came with a waybill. Based on the Commissioner’s directive, the park officials decided to check it before allowing it to go. During the inspection, they discovered a Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition. They immediately arrested the suspect, restrained him, and contacted the Area Commander of the Ughelli Area Command, who then instructed a surveillance team led by an ASP to bring in the suspect.
“The instruction was very clear: go and bring the suspect. One would therefore wonder why a suspect who posed no threat—one who was already restrained and even begging for his life—would be shot. The officer reportedly attempted to shoot him the first time but failed, then removed the magazine, reloaded, and shot him a second time.
“This act is inexcusable and completely unjustifiable. I want members of the public to know that the police do not shield officers who engage in such conduct. I am confident that the officer will have his day in court and face murder charges.
“While I cannot speak for the top hierarchy of the force, I am certain that this is the direction the case is taking. As of last night, he was moved from Asaba to Benin to conclude preliminary procedures, and as of 8:00 p.m., he was en route to Abuja. I believe that by now, he is at the Force Headquarters, where appropriate action will be taken.
“There is already an ongoing session of the Force Disciplinary Committee handling the matter, and I believe that by the end of today, we will hear the outcome of that session. Ultimately, this is not something we can explain. He alone can explain why he did what he did….See More
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