By: ELIZABETH IDE
The Delta State Police Command has reacted to the viral shooting incident in Effurun in which a suspect was killed during a police operation at a motor park, insisting that it does not protect erring officers and reaffirming that every suspect has a right to life.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated this during an interview on Channels Television, while giving details of the incident that has sparked public outrage.
According to Edafe, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, at the Effurun Sapele Motor Park when a young man arrived with a parcel, commonly referred to as a waybill, for onward delivery to Sapele. He said the development followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police mandating strict verification of waybills by logistics operators, after which the parcel was inspected before being cleared.
On inspection, the park officials reportedly discovered a concealed pistol with four rounds of ammunition inside the package.
“On checking that particular waybill, they saw a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition. They held the guy and tied his arms to the back and called the Area Commander, Effurun Area Command, who then instructed the surveillance team,” Edafe said.
He said the Area Commander immediately ordered that the suspect be taken into custody.
“The instruction was very clear: go and bring the suspect,” he added.
However, the situation reportedly escalated when a police officer identified as ASP Usman Nuhu allegedly opened fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
Edafe condemned the action, saying: “A suspect who is not a threat, it is not pardonable. He will face murder charges.”
He confirmed that five police officers were present at the scene but failed to disarm the officer involved.
When asked whether the officer belonged to the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Edafe said: “He is not a SARS personnel. We don’t have SARS in the Command. There is no SARS in the Nigerian Police Force.”
He further explained that the suspect was taken to the Area Command after being shot.
“They took his body to the Area Command office, and when the Area Commander saw him in a pool of blood, he quickly rushed into his office. He died before they could get treatment,” he said.
Edafe added: “He carried him into the vehicle and then brought him out again. He could be an innocent person that was asked to go and waybill something. He might be innocent.”
The Command said the matter remains under investigation, adding that further updates will be provided as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.