Outrage As Extrajudicial K!lling Of 28-Year-Old Artist By Officers Of The Delta State Police Command Sparks National Concern
A wave of shock and anger has followed the k!lling of 28-year-old aspiring artist, Ogidi Mena, in Delta State—an incident that has reignited deep concerns over police conduct and the lingering shadows of the disbanded SARS unit.
According to multiple accounts, Mena had gone to Effurun Main Park along Sapele Road to retrieve a waybill on behalf of an acquaintance. What began as a routine errand quickly escalated into a life-ending encounter. Park officials, citing discrepancies in the parcel’s weight, demanded an additional fee and insisted on inspecting its contents.
When the package was opened, it reportedly revealed a Beretta pistol loaded with four live rounds. Mena, visibly shaken, maintained that he had no knowledge of the contents and had merely been sent to collect it. In a desperate plea, he reportedly offered to assist the park authorities in identifying the individual who had sent him.
Rather than allow due process to take its course, park leadership reportedly tied Mena’s hands and legs and alerted the police, fearing possible retaliation if the situation involved a wider network. The matter was escalated to ACP Aliyu Shaba, the Uvwie Area Commander, who directed a patrol team led by ASP Nuhu Usman—also known as “Ogbegbe”—to bring Mena in for proper investigation.
What followed has been described by witnesses as deeply disturbing.
Upon arrival at the scene, and in full view of onlookers, ASP Usman allegedly drew his weapon and shot Mena in the hand, an act said to have been met with cheers from parts of the gathered crowd. Despite the injury, Mena was taken into police custody alive.
However, the situation took a darker turn at the Ekpan Police Station. Reports allege that ASP Usman failed to report back to the Area Commander who issued the directive to bring Mena in. Instead, he allegedly removed Mena from the patrol vehicle and shot him multiple times in cold blɔɔð, resulting in his d3ath.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with many questioning the apparent disregard for due process and the rule of law. The k!lling, described by observers as an extrajudicial execution, underscores ongoing fears about accountability within law enforcement structures.
Human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu has since reported that ASP Usman and members of his team have been ordered to Abuja by the Inspector General of Police, signaling the beginning of what many hope will be a thorough and transparent investigation.
