The Delta State Police Command has come under heavy criticism after its spokesperson, Bright Edafe, suggested that the public execution of a suspect by a police officer could only be explained from a spiritual perspective. The comment was made during a television interview on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Officer to Face Murder Charges
Edafe confirmed that the officer responsible for tying, shooting, and killing the suspect in the Effurun area of Delta State would be charged with murder. He identified the officer as ASP Nuhi Usman, who has been transferred to the force headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action. Edafe stated that the officer acted unprofessionally and that his actions could not be explained except from a spiritual viewpoint. He also defended the decision to cover the officer's face in press statements as a professional protocol.
Public Reactions
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to Edafe's spiritual explanation, with many condemning the police command's stance. Social media users criticized the attempt to deflect responsibility onto spirituality rather than addressing systemic issues within the police force.
- Chinedu Chiemeka faulted Edafe's claim, stating that attributing the extrajudicial killing to spirituality suggests the spokesperson himself has a spiritual problem. He highlighted the indiscipline and impunity in the police force, calling for structured programs to address these issues.
- Fd Naturales condemned the spiritual attachment, expressing disbelief and praying for justice for the victim.
- Im Timwest suggested that the victim may have had vital information, questioning why he was killed at that point and calling for a thorough investigation into the murder and its origins.
- Tblac Kennel criticized the police for twisting the narrative instead of admitting wrongdoing, asking if such excuses would be accepted from a civilian.
- Noel Dongah questioned how many extrajudicial killings have occurred off-camera, labeling the police as merchants of death.
Related Incident: Adamawa Pastor Killed
In a separate incident, the Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the killing of Pastor Emmanuel Ezeoikwe on Thursday, April 23, 2026. SP Suleiman Nguroje, the command's spokesperson, stated that the pastor was shot at his residence in Zina village, Song LGA, by assailants who visited around 12:30 am.
