Tension surrounding the controversial killing of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, has deepened following the arrest of two suspects linked to the movement of the pistol and ammunition that reportedly triggered the fatal encounter with a police officer.
The suspects, including the alleged Bayelsa-based sender of the Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition, were reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday night and moved to the Effurun Area Command of the Delta State Police Command as investigations intensify.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that detectives are widening the dragnet to uncover all individuals connected to the firearm shipment and the circumstances that culminated in the death of the young man, popularly known as “Mine.”
According to sources, the firearm was allegedly sent from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, through a transport company to Effurun, where Ogidi reportedly picked up the parcel with the intention of forwarding it to its supposed owner in Sapele.
He was, however, intercepted at the Effurun Motor Park, where ASP Nuhu Usman allegedly shot and killed him in what has sparked outrage and allegations of extrajudicial killing.
A source familiar with the investigation said one of the suspects arrested was confirmed to be the sender of the firearm.
“It’s confirmed that two suspects were brought in on Wednesday night. One of them is the person who sent the gun from Yenagoa to Effurun. Investigators are still working to determine the role of the second suspect and track down other persons connected to the case,” the source revealed.
Although the Delta State Police Command is yet to officially comment on the arrests, the development was publicly hinted at by the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security, Udoka Emmanuel Chika-dibie.
In a Facebook post on Thursday morning, Chika-dibie wrote: “Breaking. Police last night nabbed the Bayelsa sender of a gun that led to Oghenemine’s killing by Delta officer.”
He later commended the Area Commander of the Effurun Area Command, Aliyu Shaba, for what he described as a major breakthrough in the investigation.
“ACP Aliyu Shaba, simply the best. No bi Cho cho cho!” he added.
The killing of Oghenemine Ogidi has continued to generate public outrage across Delta State, with many residents and rights advocates demanding justice and a transparent investigation into the actions of the officers involved.
