By Isharo Odafe
The Delta State Government has intensified the prosecution of five police officers standing trial over the alleged murder of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi, as the prosecution closed its case after calling six witnesses before the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba.
The defendants, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu, ASP Owoloko Daurou, ASP Okoh Kelechi, Inspector Goodluck Kingsley and Inspector Omonigho Ahweyevu are standing trial before Justice Michael Nduka Obi over the alleged killing of Ogidi.
The first defendant, ASP Usman Nuhu, aka Ogbegbe, reportedly told investigators that he initially shot Ogidi at the Effurun Motor Park after his rifle failed to fire on the first attempt. He allegedly subsequently took Ogidi to the police station, where he shot him again in the right leg. The prosecution contended that the shooting was unjustified.
The other four defendants reportedly told investigators that Nuhu shot Ogidi without provocation and allegedly fired at him again despite the intervention of the Area Commander.
It would be recalled that ASP Usman Nuhu is facing a one-count charge of murder, while the other four defendants are charged with negligent acts causing harm.
The prosecution team, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Delta State, Mr. Tejiri Anuhwin, alongside Mr. Justin Amahi, Deputy Director, and Miss. Oghenechawuko Agbatutu, Principal State Counsel, all of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, commenced the presentation of evidence before the court.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, the DPP disclosed that the prosecution had closed its case after presenting six witnesses before the court.
According to him, the witnesses gave evidence and were cross-examined by defence counsel before the prosecution formally closed its case.
Anuhwin said the matter had been adjourned to October 21, 2026, for the defence to present its case.
He expressed optimism that the evidence presented by the prosecution would lead to a conviction, describing the evidence before the court as overwhelming.
“We are hopeful to secure conviction at the end. The evidence is quite overwhelming, and we hope that justice will be done for the victim and for all citizens,” the DPP said.
Meanwhile, counsel to the first defendant, Mr. Uche Chibuogwu, expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased, describing the case as emotional and difficult to handle from the perspective of a defence lawyer.He acknowledged the sensitive nature of the case and sympathised with the deceased’s family and wife
“It is quite unfortunate that this happened. We are all human. The deceased had family members and a wife while he was alive. So, it is quite unfortunate, and I sympathise with them.”
On the progress of the trial, Chibuogwu confirmed that the prosecution had concluded its case after calling six witnesses, all of whom were cross-examined by the defence.
He said:
“The prosecution has started and closed its case. They called six witnesses, and we cross-examined them thoroughly to the best of our ability and in accordance with the dictates and provisions of the law.”
The counsel further disclosed that the defence would file the first defendant’s witness statement on oath within the week and adopt it at the next adjourned date.
He also explained that the defence would not be filing a bail application at this stage, considering the circumstances of the case.
The matter has been adjourned to October 21, 2026, for the defence to Open it’s case.
The State Government had earlier assured the public that it would diligently pursue the case, stressing the need for Justice to prevail and urging Members of the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.
Case adjourned to October 21, 2026 for the defence to open their case.
