Police operatives have arrested a suspect believed to have sent the firearm linked to the controversial killing of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi by a police officer in Delta State.
The latest development comes days after widespread outrage followed the fatal shooting of Ogidi, popularly known as “Mine,” in Effurun, Delta State, allegedly by Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Nuhu Usman.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that two suspects were brought into the Effurun Area Command on Wednesday night as detectives intensified efforts to uncover everyone connected to the movement of the gun and ammunition that led to the incident.
According to the source, one of the suspects is believed to be the individual who sent the firearm from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, through a transport company to Effurun, where Ogidi reportedly picked it up for delivery to Sapele.
“It’s confirmed. They just brought in two suspects Wednesday night,” the source said, adding that investigators were still trying to determine the identity and roles of the second suspect.
The killing of Ogidi had sparked nationwide outrage after a disturbing video surfaced online showing the victim restrained on the ground while pleading for his life before he was shot by the police officer.
Police authorities had earlier explained that Ogidi was intercepted while attempting to waybill a parcel allegedly containing a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition. He was reportedly apprehended by residents before officers arrived at the scene.
The Nigeria Police Force has since dismissed ASP Nuhu Usman and three other officers linked to the incident. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also ordered their prosecution, describing the act as unlawful and unacceptable.
Investigators say efforts are ongoing to track down other persons connected to the firearm shipment, including the driver who transported the parcel from Bayelsa to Delta State.