Prosecution closes case in Ogidi death trial as defence opens October 21
The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of five former police officers standing trial over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi at the Delta State High Court in Asaba.
The prosecution called six witnesses before closing its case.
Justice Michael Nduka Obi adjourned proceedings to October 21, 2026, when the defence is expected to open its case.
All five defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty.
Reported statement becomes key prosecution evidence
During the prosecution case, the court heard evidence about statements allegedly made by the first defendant, Usman Nuhu, during the investigation.
According to evidence presented by the prosecution, Nuhu was reported to have said he fired two rounds and that the shooting was not justified.
The prosecution also presented evidence that he gave differing accounts of the circumstances of the shooting.
Those statements form part of the prosecution’s evidence.
They are not a guilty plea or a finding by the court.
The defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until the court reaches a contrary verdict after hearing the full case.
Defence phase begins next
With the prosecution finished calling witnesses, attention now shifts to the defence.
Defence counsel indicated that Nuhu’s witness statement on oath would be filed before the next sitting.
The October 21 hearing is therefore expected to mark the beginning of the defendants’ response to the prosecution evidence.
That phase could clarify how the defence intends to address the statements attributed to Nuhu, the circumstances of the shooting and the evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses.
Police disciplinary action remains separate
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier taken internal disciplinary action arising from the case.
Police authorities announced dismissals following disciplinary proceedings, and subsequent reporting said the Police Service Commission ratified the dismissals.
Those administrative findings do not determine the outcome of the criminal trial.
The High Court must reach its own decision based on the evidence presented in court and the applicable law.
That distinction is central to the case.
An internal disciplinary process can lead to administrative sanctions, but criminal responsibility requires a separate judicial determination.
What the court has not decided
The court has not convicted any of the defendants.
It has also not adopted the prosecution’s interpretation of the alleged statements as a final finding.
Any claim that the shooting was unjustified, intentional or otherwise criminal must therefore remain attributed to evidence and arguments presented during the prosecution case until the court rules.
The next major development is expected when the defence opens its case on October 21.
Until then, the established position is that the prosecution has closed its case, the defendants have not been convicted and the trial remains ongoing.