The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting officers implicated in the alleged extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old musician, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), disclosed that the Ministry of Justice had received assurances from the Police that investigations into the incident would be concluded promptly, with the case file to be forwarded for necessary legal action.

According to the government, all suspects are entitled to the protection of the law and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty through due judicial process.

It also cautioned law enforcement personnel to operate strictly within the confines of the law, warning that any officer found culpable would be held personally accountable for their actions.

The statement noted that officers involved in the incident have already been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and are to be handed over to appropriate authorities to face criminal prosecution.

The state government assured the family of the deceased and the general public that the matter would be pursued diligently and in line with due process.

It further urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations and legal proceedings continue, reiterating its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring justice without fear or favour.

Meanwhile, tension is mounting in Okudjere-Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, where residents have accused officers from the Orerokpe Police Division of shooting a young man during a confrontation on Thursday evening, raising fresh concerns over alleged extrajudicial actions by security personnel.

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Eyewitnesses said the officers, who reportedly arrived in a white Toyota Sienna, approached the youth and conducted a search during which no incriminating items were found. They were said to have subsequently ordered him to accompany them to the station, a directive he questioned due to the absence of evidence against him.

Tension reportedly escalated when the youth refused to comply, with witnesses alleging that the officers began assaulting him, drawing the attention of nearby residents who intervened in his defence.

In the ensuing commotion, the officers were alleged to have opened fire, leaving the young man with gunshot injuries, although his condition had not been officially confirmed as of press time.

Community members described the incident as unprovoked and called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.

However, the Delta State Police Command denied that the victim was shot. Its spokesman, Bright Edafe, said operatives only deployed tear gas during the incident.

“He wasn’t shot. It was tear gas, but the canister injured him,” Edafe said in a text message.

The incident comes amid heightened public scrutiny of police conduct in the state, following outrage over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi, who was reportedly killed by police officers under controversial circumstances earlier in the week. (The Nation)