Tension continues to rise in Delta State following allegations of police brutality and misconduct surrounding the death of Oghenemine Ogidi, as residents accuse officers of using force and inciting violence against grieving community members.
Alfred Ojobo, a resident of Ujevwu in Udu Local Government Area, has come forward with a troubling account of what transpired when he and others attempted to retrieve the body of the deceased from the Ekpan Police Station.
Speaking in a video interview aired by Arise TV, Ojobo alleged that the situation escalated into violence when police officers reportedly attacked them and enlisted local youths to drive them away.
The incident follows the reported killing of Ogidi by a police officer identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, a development that has sparked outrage and demands for accountability from members of the community.
According to Ojobo, the group had gone peacefully to the station after hearing news of Ogidi’s death, with the intention of demanding the release of his body for proper burial rites. However, what they encountered, he claimed, was far from a lawful or orderly response.
“When we heard the news of this sudden death, we mobilized to Ekpan Police Station yesterday to demand for the corpse of our brother,” Ojobo recounted. “Behold, they started beating us and fighting us. The police bought new cutlasses for Ekpan youths and they started chasing us. I have never seen that before in my life.”
Ojobo’s allegations have added a new layer of controversy to an already sensitive case, raising concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers and the safety of civilians seeking justice. His claims suggest not only excessive use of force but also a possible collaboration between police personnel and non-state actors to suppress dissent.
Eyewitness accounts circulating on social media appear to support parts of Ojobo’s narrative, with videos showing chaotic scenes near the police station, including individuals fleeing and reports of injuries sustained during the confrontation. However, authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these specific accusations.
You can watch the video from 3:07 to 3:26.
