‘Spirituality Is The Only Explanation’ — Delta PPRO Reacts To Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has come under intense scrutiny following the extrajudicial killing of an unarmed suspect by Policemen in Delta State, with the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, admitting that the incident was “hard to explain” as it’s beyond the ordinary.

Edafe made the remarks on Channels TV’s breakfast show, ‘Morning Brief’, on Wednesday, while reacting to the fatal shooting of the suspect, Mene Ogidi, by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman. He described the development as one of the most troubling moments of his career.

“This is a very sad issue. Since my six years in public relations, this is my most difficult moment because having an incident that cannot be explained is very difficult,” Edafe said.

Struggling to rationalise the officer’s actions, the Police spokesman added, “There is no explanation for this. That policeman, I just don’t get what I would say, was wrong with him. You know, police cannot attribute problems to spirituality, but that may not be far from it because that is the only explanation one can give to what he did.”

The incident, which reportedly occurred in Effurun, Delta State, has sparked outrage after a disturbing video surfaced online showing the victim restrained with his hands tied behind his back while pleading for his life before being shot multiple times at a close range.

In the footage, widely circulated on social media, the visibly distressed Ogidi is heard begging officers to spare him, insisting on his innocence and offering to cooperate with investigators over a parcel containing a gun.

“Officer, I beg, I will tell you everything. It was my friend that deceived me,” he said.

“I will carry you go the place. I don’t know anything concern it… Officer, I beg… Officer, please… Officer, I don’t know,” he cried.

The viral video has triggered widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning police conduct and the use of force against unarmed suspects.

Reacting to the development, the police authorities said disciplinary and legal action had been initiated against the officer involved.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Anthony Okon Placid, the police headquarters described the incident as ‘fatal shooting’ of a suspect on April 26, 2026.

The statement noted that the officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, is currently undergoing both administrative and legal processes as part of efforts to ensure accountability.