The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised the alleged extrajudicial killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, describing the act as a serious violation of constitutional rights and a threat to public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association expressed concern over a viral video capturing the incident, as well as confirmation from the police that the officer involved would be prosecuted for murder.
“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.
The association stressed that such actions amount to an abuse of authority and undermine the rule of law, particularly constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to life and fair hearing.
It emphasised that no law enforcement officer has the authority to bypass the judicial process.
“No officer of the law, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner.”
The NBA further noted that the incident reinforces longstanding concerns about human rights violations within segments of the security system, warning that unchecked abuses could erode the protection of fundamental rights.
“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 cautioned that failure to address such misconduct could foster a culture of impunity.
“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 acknowledging that the officer directly involved has been arrested, the NBA insisted that accountability must extend to all officers who may have participated in or enabled the act.
“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.
The body called for a swift and transparent prosecution process, warning that any attempt to shield those involved would further damage public trust.
It also directed its Human Rights Committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to monitor the case and ensure that justice is served, while advocating sustained engagement on issues of rights violations nationwide.
The incident involves a suspect identified as Mene Ogidi, who was reportedly shot during a police operation in Effurun on April 26, 2026. According to police accounts, the suspect had been arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a package believed to contain a firearm.
However, the officer in charge, ASP Nuhu Usman, was said to have discharged his weapon in violation of established operational guidelines, leading to the suspect’s death.
The Nigeria Police Force has since initiated internal disciplinary proceedings, confirming that the officer has been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Authorities have also reiterated that extrajudicial actions will not be tolerated and that due process will be followed.
