The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has described the killing of a suspect by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman as deeply disturbing, inexplicable, and far removed from the professional standards expected within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme, Edafe said the incident had left him personally unsettled, stressing that the actions of the officer involved could not be justified under any operational circumstance. He noted that the case represents one of the most difficult professional moments he has experienced in his six years as a police spokesperson, adding that it is particularly challenging to defend or explain an incident where the facts appear so clear yet so troubling.
He reiterated that the conduct in question does not align with the values, ethics, or rules of engagement guiding the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as an action that stands in direct contradiction to established policing standards.
When asked whether disciplinary action would be limited to ASP Nuhu Usman alone or extended to other officers present at the scene, Edafe clarified that the entire operational team was already under scrutiny. He explained that a total of five officers were involved in the operation, including the Area Commander, and all of them had been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.
According to him, the decision to bring the entire team in was based on the principle of collective responsibility during police operations. He emphasized that policing protocols allow officers not only to challenge but also to restrain or disarm a colleague who behaves in a manner that endangers a suspect or violates operational procedures.
Edafe pointed out that from the available video evidence, there appeared to be no visible attempt by the other officers to stop or restrain ASP Usman when the incident occurred. As a result, he said it would be inappropriate for them to distance themselves entirely from responsibility, as their inaction also forms part of the circumstances being examined.
He added that the officers involved will be required to explain their actions individually and collectively at the Force Headquarters, where the disciplinary review process is currently ongoing. The investigation, he said, will determine the extent of each officer’s involvement and whether proper procedures were followed during the operation.
Edafe concluded by stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is treating the matter seriously and that no conclusion has been reached yet, as all parties involved will be thoroughly questioned before any final disciplinary or legal decisions are made.
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