Oghenemine: Dismissed police officers plead not guilty to extra-judicial killing

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By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha

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ASABA – Prime suspect, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu and four other police officers have pleaded not guilty to charges over the 26 April extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old Warri musician Oghenemine Ogidi, aka “OG Million,” in Effurun, Delta State.

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The suspects, now dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, were arraigned on Tuesday before Justice M. Nduka of the Delta State High Court 4, Asaba.

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Standing trial with ASP Nuhu, aka “Ogbegbe,” were ASPs Owoloko Daurou Pamo and Okoh Kelechi, as well as Inspectors Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.

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Nuhu is charged with one count of “Murder, punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.”

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The other four defendants face “Negligent Acts Causing Harm, punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.”

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Following their not-guilty pleas to the charges read to them, Justice Nduka adjourned the case to 14 July 2026 for the commencement of trial.

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Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, who led the Prosecution, said: “The defendants have been arraigned and have taken their pleas, as they are entitled to do.

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“They pleaded not guilty, but our case is very straightforward. Nobody has the right to make himself the accuser, the judge and the executioner.”

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He described the incident at the centre of the trial as “abhorrent,” and assured the court of diligent and expeditious prosecution of the case.

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“We are fully prepared for the trial. I assure the public that justice will be served,” Ohwovoriole said.

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Counsel for two of the defendants, C. Promise, also assured the court of readiness for trial, saying: “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.”

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Ogidi was killed at the Effurun Main Motor Park, Uvwie Local Government Area, after he was caught trying to send a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition to a receiver in Sapele.

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Restrained with his hands tied behind his back, he was shot dead with an AK-47 by ASP Nuhu in public, a gory scene captured in a viral video.”

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