The Delta State Government has condemned the tragic and unlawful killing of a young man, Mene Ogidi, vowing that justice will be carried out.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said preliminary findings show that officers from the Effurun Area Command acted on intelligence from the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway, where the suspect was held by a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.

While taking Ogidi into custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly discharged his firearm unlawfully, killing the suspect.

Reacting via a statement on Thursday, the Delta State Government described the young man’s murder as a grave violation of human life and a betrayal of the duty to protect citizens.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family, reaffirming that the safety and dignity of every citizen remain paramount.

Commending the swift disciplinary actions by the police, the governor stressed that accountability must be decisive and transparent, adding that all those culpable must face the full weight of the law, and that justice must be seen to be done.

Governor Oborevwori assured that the government will closely monitor the case to its conclusion, support the family, and remain committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives, and promoting a just and humane Delta State.

Also, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had earlier condemned the extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State.

Reacting to the tragic death of Ogidi on Wednesday via a post on his official X account, Obi said the extrajudicial killing of the young Nigerian man is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law.

“Over time, human society has moved away from an era when lives could be taken without consequence. Through the evolution of civilisation, a fundamental principle has emerged: no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt,” he said.

“Such acts inflict unimaginable trauma on the bereaved family and deepen public anxiety in an already distressed society. Nigerians are already traumatised by recurring reports of brutal killings by terror organisations across the country, and incidents of this nature – especially when involving state actors – only worsen that psychological burden and erode public confidence in safety and security.”

Obi added that in light of this, while the law must take its full course, he can only commend the prompt response of the police authorities so far and express confidence that they will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.

According to the former Governor of Anambra State, such responsiveness is necessary to reassure the public that justice will not be compromised, urging the police to sustain this approach.

“I therefore urge the police and all security agencies to sustain this approach by acting with transparency and accountability,” he said.

“Furthermore, recruitment processes must be more rigorous, ensuring that only individuals of sound judgment and the right frame of mind are entrusted with firearms.”

In the final analysis, Obi stated that these measures can restore public trust and uphold justice – both of which are indispensable to building a new Nigeria that is possible.