Five dismissed Nigerian police officers have pleaded not guilty in the case surrounding the killing of Warri musician Oghenemine Ogidi, known as OG Million. The arraignment took place Tuesday at the Delta State High Court in Asaba, where Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Nuhu was charged with murder and four others face counts tied to negligence. Justice M. Nduka adjourned proceedings until July 14, when the trial is expected to begin.
Delta State Attorney General Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, who is leading the prosecution, told reporters the state’s case is “watertight” and vowed to pursue justice swiftly. He described the officers’ actions as “abhorrent” and assured the victim’s family that the matter would be prosecuted with total diligence.
The incident occurred April 26 at Effurun Main Motor Park, where police alleged Ogidi was transporting a parcel containing a pistol and ammunition. Public outrage erupted after a mobile phone video surfaced online showing the musician shot at close range while his hands were tied. The footage sparked protests and condemnation from human rights groups, leading to the officers’ dismissal and prosecution.
International rights organizations have called the killing a test of Nigeria’s ability to hold security forces accountable, drawing parallels to past controversies such as the #EndSARS protests that highlighted police brutality. Amnesty International and other groups have urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in the trial.
Ogidi’s death has also shaken the Warri music community, where he was seen as a rising talent. Fellow artists and fans have organized vigils and tributes, framing his killing as not only a personal tragedy but a cultural loss.
Observers say the trial will be closely watched both locally and abroad, with many viewing it as a precedent-setting case for Nigeria’s justice system. The July 14 proceedings are expected to reveal whether the state can deliver accountability in a case that has already galvanized public opinion and international scrutiny.
Community leaders in Delta State have echoed calls for reform, warning that unchecked police violence erodes public trust. They argue that justice in this case could help restore confidence in law enforcement and signal a shift toward greater accountability.
For many Nigerians, the trial represents more than a single tragedy. It has become a symbol of the struggle against impunity, with families, activists, and artists insisting that the outcome must set a clear standard: that no one, regardless of uniform, is above the law.
