Five dismissed police officers appeared in court on Tuesday to answer charges linked to the April 26 killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, a 28-year-old musician from Warri. All five men pleaded not guilty before Justice M.
Nduka at the Delta State High Court in Asaba.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Nuhu faces a murder charge under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Law. The four other defendants—ASPs Owoloko Daurou Pamo and Okoh Kelechi, plus Inspectors Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu—are charged with negligent acts causing harm under Section 344 of the same law.
The case centres on events at Effurun Main Motor Park in Uvwie Local Government Area. Ogidi was caught attempting to send a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition to someone in Sapele.
Witnesses say Nuhu, also known as "Ogbegbe," shot Ogidi dead with an AK-47 while the musician lay restrained with his hands bound behind his back. A viral video captured the shooting in public.
Delta State attorney-general Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, led the prosecution team. He told the court the case is straightforward and said no one has the right to act as "accuser, judge and executioner."
"The incident is abhorrent," Ohwovoriole said, adding that his office would pursue the case with diligence. "We are fully prepared for the trial.
I assure the public that justice will be served," he noted.
C. Promise, counsel for two of the defendants, told the court his clients were ready to proceed.
"They have taken their pleas and the matter has been adjourned to 14 July. We will return to court on that date for the trial," he said.
Justice Nduka fixed July 14, 2026 for the trial to commence. The five men were previously employed by the Nigeria Police Force before their dismissal.
