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Misleading Claim Circulates About Nigerian Army Arresting Police Officers in Delta Killing
A viral video claiming to show Nigerian Army officers arresting police involved in the killing of Mene Ogidi in Delta State has been debunked as misleading, with investigators confirming the footage predates the incident by at least seven weeks.
The controversy began on April 26, 2026, when disturbing footage surfaced showing the killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in broad daylight. The two-minute video depicted Ogidi sitting on the ground with his hands bound behind his back, pleading for his life before being shot by a plainclothes police officer. According to reports, Ogidi had allegedly been linked to a parcel containing firearms and ammunition prior to the shooting.
The incident immediately sparked public outrage across Nigerian social media platforms, with citizens demanding accountability for what many viewed as an extrajudicial killing.
Three days after the initial incident, on April 29, a new video began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) from verified account @AdrenalineJ004 with the caption: “The police officer who took the life of an unarmed young man has been apprehended by soldiers claiming to be his brothers.” The post purported to show soldiers dragging men in Nigerian police uniforms through a crowd.
The second video gained massive traction, accumulating over 2 million views, nearly 4,000 reposts, and more than 22,300 likes. Many commenters expressed satisfaction at what they believed was swift justice, with one verified user, Esther Chinaza, suggesting the officer should receive the same treatment as his victim “so others can learn and stop behaving like animals.”
However, other users quickly identified the video as misleading. Verified account Stephen KN Smith called out the post, writing, “See how pathetic you are. This is an old video. We shouldn’t be chasing clouts oga.” Another verified user urged that the account be reported for spreading false information.
An investigation by Fact Check Africa confirmed the misleading nature of the claim. While Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman and his team have indeed been arrested in connection with Ogidi’s killing, the widely shared footage of the purported arrest is unrelated.
A reverse image search of keyframes from the video revealed that the footage had appeared online as early as March 8, 2026 – a full 49 days before Ogidi’s killing. The original context of the video remains unclear, but its timing makes it impossible for it to depict events related to the April 26 incident.
Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe did confirm in an official statement that ASP Usman has been arrested and transferred to force headquarters in Abuja to face disciplinary action. However, no official footage of the actual arrest has been released.
This incident highlights the growing concern about misinformation on social media platforms in Nigeria, where emotionally charged videos can quickly gain traction without proper verification. In highly sensitive cases involving alleged police brutality, such misinformation can potentially inflame tensions and undermine legitimate accountability processes.
The circulation of the misleading arrest video also demonstrates how easily unrelated footage can be repurposed to fit current narratives, particularly when public sentiment is strongly aligned against the accused parties.
While the investigation into Ogidi’s killing continues, authorities urge the public to rely on official channels for updates rather than unverified social media claims.
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8 Comments
Disturbing incident. While details are still emerging, it’s crucial that proper investigations are conducted and accountability ensured, regardless of the parties involved. Extrajudicial killings should never be tolerated.
I agree. Transparency and due process are essential to uphold the rule of law and justice for all citizens.
This seems like a complex case with conflicting narratives. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what really happened and ensure a fair and thorough investigation. Reliable information is key to understanding such sensitive matters.
Absolutely. All sides should refrain from spreading unverified claims and focus on facts established through proper channels. Premature judgments could undermine the integrity of the process.
The details provided raise concerning questions about the use of force and potential abuses of power. It’s critical that any allegations are properly scrutinized to uphold the principles of justice and human rights.
While the initial video is troubling, the conflicting reports underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation. I hope the authorities can provide clarity and ensure that the rights of all parties are protected.
Well said. Maintaining public trust requires transparency and accountability, regardless of the parties involved. A thorough and impartial inquiry is the best path forward.
This is a complex and sensitive issue that deserves careful consideration of all the facts. I encourage the public to remain vigilant but also refrain from rushing to judgment until the investigation has run its course.