Police Officers’ Murder Trial: State Closes Case, Defence Set For 21st October

By AMANDA EZE

Prosecution Brings Its Case to a Close

THE murder trial involving five police officers accused in connection with the death of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi has entered a new phase, following the closure of the prosecution’s case before the Delta State High Court in Asaba.

The prosecution called six witnesses before ending its presentation. The matter is being heard by Justice Michael Nduka Obi.

The defendants are Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Nuhu, ASP Owoloko Daurou, ASP Okoh Kelechi, Inspector Goodluck Kingsley and Inspector Omonigho Ahweyevu.

The charges, however, are not identical.

Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, faces a one-count murder charge. The other four officers are charged with negligent acts causing harm.

With the sixth prosecution witness cross-examined, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri Anuhwin, formally announced the end of the state’s case.

Allegations at the Centre of the Trial

The prosecution’s case centres on the circumstances surrounding Ogidi’s death and the alleged actions of ASP Nuhu.

According to evidence presented by the state, Nuhu allegedly shot Ogidi at the Effurun Motor Park after his rifle failed to discharge on an initial attempt.

The prosecution further alleged that Ogidi was subsequently taken to a police station, where Nuhu allegedly shot him again in the right leg.

The state contends that the shooting was unjustified.

It also told the court that the other defendants gave statements to investigators indicating that Nuhu fired without provocation and disregarded interventions by the Area Commander.

These claims remain allegations to be tested against the defence evidence and the court’s eventual determination.

State Expresses Confidence in Its Case

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Anuhwin said the state was optimistic about securing a conviction.

The DPP described the evidence placed before the court as overwhelming.

Anuhwin led the prosecution team alongside Deputy Director Justin Amahi and Principal State Counsel Oghenechawuko Agbatutu.

However, the prosecution’s assessment of its evidence does not amount to a judicial finding. The responsibility for determining whether the evidence establishes the charges rests with the court after considering the case presented by both sides.

That distinction will become increasingly important as the proceedings move into the defence stage.

Defence Prepares Its Response

For the defence, the conclusion of the prosecution’s case marks the beginning of a crucial phase.

Counsel to the principal defendant, Uche Chibuogwu, expressed sympathy to Ogidi’s family and widow. He also confirmed that the defence had thoroughly cross-examined the state’s witnesses.

According to Chibuogwu, the first defendant’s witness statement on oath would be filed within the week.

He further indicated that the defence would not seek bail for his client at this stage, citing the sensitivity of the proceedings.

The defence is now expected to present its own evidence and witnesses in response to the case advanced by the prosecution.

21st October Becomes the Next Major Date

Justice Obi has adjourned the matter until 21 October 2026.

The next sitting will therefore shift attention from the prosecution’s evidence to the defence case.

That transition is significant because the court will have to examine competing accounts of what happened to Ogidi and determine the legal responsibility, if any, of each defendant.

For the state, the prosecution phase represents the culmination of its attempt to establish the allegations through witnesses and evidence.

For the defendants, the defence phase provides an opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and place their own evidence before the court.

Justice Still Rests With the Court

The case has attracted attention because it involves allegations against serving or former police personnel and concerns the death of a young civilian.

Beyond the individual defendants, the proceedings also raise broader questions about police conduct, accountability and the criminal justice system’s ability to address allegations involving law-enforcement personnel.

Nevertheless, the judicial process requires that those questions be resolved through evidence and due process rather than public conclusions.

The prosecution has closed its case.

The defence is preparing to open its own.

On 21st October, the courtroom will move into the next chapter of a trial whose final outcome remains to be determined by Justice Obi.