The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, describing the act as a violation of the Constitution and a threat to public confidence in law enforcement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA said it was disturbed by a viral video showing the killing of a suspect and the police confirmation that the officer involved would be tried for murder.
The association said the act amounted to abuse of power and warned that it undermines the rule of law and constitutional guarantees on the right to life and fair hearing.
“The Nigerian Bar Association is disturbed by the viral video showing the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by police officers in Delta State… This is an arbitrary, unprovoked and misguided show of power by a law enforcement agent,” the NBA said.
It added that, “No officer of the law, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner.”
The NBA faulted the conduct of the officer, saying it reinforced longstanding concerns about rights violations by some members of law enforcement agencies.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” it stated.
The association also warned that failure to check such conduct could deepen a culture of impunity, stressing that “if such unlawful actions by the security agencies continue unchecked, fundamental rights of people may not amount to much in such a climate of impunity.”
While noting the police announcement that the officer involved had been arrested, the NBA said accountability must extend beyond one individual.
“The viral video clearly shows that other policemen aided or were involved in this heinous act. The investigation, arrest and prosecution process must extend to any other officer may have counselled aided or abetted the extra-judicial killing,” it said.
It further demanded swift prosecution of all those involved, warning that any attempt to shield suspects would erode public trust in law enforcement.
The statement also directed NBA Human Rights Committees in Warri, Effurun and Udu to monitor the case and ensure proper prosecution, while urging continuous engagement on rights violations nationwide.
The incident stems from a video showing a suspect, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, being shot by an Assistant Superintendent of Police during an operation in Effurun on April 26, 2026.
The police had said Ogidi was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel suspected to contain a firearm. However, the officer in charge, ASP Nuhu Usman, reportedly discharged his weapon in violation of Force Order 237 and operational guidelines, leading to the suspect’s death.
The Delta State Police Command has since launched internal disciplinary proceedings, confirming the arrest and transfer of the officer to Abuja for further investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force has also said it will not tolerate extrajudicial actions by its personnel, insisting that due process will be followed.
The NBA said the case highlights the urgent need for deeper police reforms, particularly in the areas of accountability and use of force, as public scrutiny over law enforcement conduct continues to intensify.
By
TheTimes Nigeria
