The Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has granted bail to four dismissed police officers standing trial over the alleged killing of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi, popularly known as Mine, while the principal defendant, Usman Nuhu, also known as Ogbegbe, remains in custody.
The decision was delivered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by Justice Michael Nduka Obi, following the conclusion of the defence proceedings in the case arising from the fatal shooting of Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, on April 26.
Nuhu, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, is facing a murder charge, while four other former officers are being prosecuted over alleged negligent acts connected to the incident.
The four co-defendants were identified as Onoloko Dauroupamo, Okoh Kelechi, Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.
According to the Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri Anuhwin, the court granted bail to the four defendants after considering the nature of the charges against them and the period they had already spent in custody.
Anuhwin explained that the offences alleged against the four carried a maximum prison sentence of six months, while the defendants had remained in detention since June 1.
The court consequently granted them bail subject to conditions requiring suitable sureties to guarantee their attendance at subsequent proceedings.
Each surety is required to provide a ₦2 million undertaking, possess a National Identification Number and reside within the court's jurisdiction.
However, Nuhu, who faces the more serious murder charge, was not granted bail and remains in correctional custody.
The prosecution had earlier closed its case after presenting six witnesses, who gave evidence and were cross-examined by defence counsel.
At Wednesday's proceedings, the five defendants presented their defence and called an additional witness before formally closing their case.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until November 17, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
Following that stage, the court is expected to fix a date for judgment.
The case concerns the death of Ogidi, a musician and delivery worker who was fatally shot during a police operation in Effurun.
The incident attracted widespread public attention after footage of the shooting circulated online, prompting demands for an investigation and accountability.
According to the Delta State Police Command's earlier account, officers attached to the Effurun Area Command had acted on intelligence concerning a parcel allegedly containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.
The police said Ogidi had been apprehended in connection with the parcel before the shooting occurred.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident became the subject of criminal proceedings after the police acknowledged that the officer who discharged his firearm had violated established rules governing the use of force.
The Nigeria Police Force subsequently subjected Nuhu and the other officers involved to disciplinary proceedings.
Following the internal investigation, the police announced their dismissal and prosecution over their alleged roles in the incident.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, condemned the shooting and maintained that police officers were required to operate within the law.
The prosecution later alleged that Nuhu initially fired at Ogidi at Effurun Motor Park and subsequently shot him again after he had been taken to a police station.
According to evidence described by the prosecution, the other officers gave accounts of the incident during the investigation, including allegations that Nuhu fired without justification.
These remain matters before the court, and the prosecution's allegations have not yet resulted in a criminal conviction.
The deceased's family has continued to seek justice and transparency over the handling of the case.
Earlier in the proceedings, Ogidi's elder brother, Victory Ogidi, expressed concern that the family had received insufficient official information about developments in the investigation.
He called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the family remained informed as the case progressed.
The latest proceedings represent a significant stage in the trial because both the prosecution and defence have now concluded the presentation of their evidence.
The next hearing will allow lawyers representing the state and the defendants to make their final written submissions before the court considers its judgment.
Although the four co-defendants have been granted bail, the decision does not amount to an acquittal or a determination that they are innocent of the charges against them.
Similarly, Nuhu's continued detention does not establish his criminal guilt.
All five defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court reaches its final decision.
The proceedings have continued to attract attention because of wider concerns about police accountability and the use of firearms during law enforcement operations.
The outcome will depend on the evidence presented, the applicable law and the court's assessment of the respective allegations and defences.
For the family of Oghenemine Ogidi, the next stage of the trial brings the case closer to a judicial determination, several months after the fatal shooting.
The court is scheduled to reconvene on November 17 for the adoption of final written addresses.
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