From Onoriode Etatsemi, Asaba
The Delta State Government has commenced the prosecution of five police officers accused of the alleged murder of Oghenemine Ogidi, as the matter came up before Justice Nduka Obi at the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba on Tuesday.
The defendants, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu, ASP Owoloko Daurou, ASP Okoh Kelechi, Inspector Goodluck Kingsley, and Inspector Omonigho Ahweyevu, were arraigned before the court over the alleged killing of Ogidi.
Nuhu was charged with one count of murder, while the other four officers were charged with negligent acts causing harm.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, the court adjourned the matter to July 14, 2026, for hearing.
The prosecution alleged that the offence was committed on April 26, 2026, at the Sapele Motor Park, Effurun, Uwie local Government Area of Delta State, where Ogidi, a 28-year-old man, was allegedly restrained, and shot at close range by Nuhu.
Leading the prosecution team, the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), alongside the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN); the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Tejiri Anuhwin, and other state counsel, told the court that the government was committed to pursuing the matter diligently.
Speaking after the arraignment, Ohwovoriole acknowledged the defendants’ constitutional right to the presumption of innocence, but maintained that the prosecution was prepared to prove its case.
”Everybody is entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. But our case is very straightforward. Nobody has the right to make himself the accuser, the judge, and the executioner. What happened amounts to mob justice, and we cannot stand for that,” he said.
The Attorney-General urged members of the public to remain calm, and allow the judicial process to run its course, assuring that the case would be handled with diligence and speed.
”We are very ready for the trial. What happened was very appalling, and we are satisfied with the conduct of proceedings so far. The accused has the right to come to court and defend himself, but at the end of the day, we are confident that justice will be served,” he concluded.
