NBA Condemns Delta Police Killing, Demands Prosecution of Officers

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, calling the act a violation of the Constitution and a threat to public trust in law enforcement.

In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA expressed concern over a viral video showing the killing of a suspect and the police’s confirmation that the officer involved would face a murder trial.

The NBA described the act as an abuse of power, stating that it undermines the rule of law and constitutional rights, particularly 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,” the NBA said.

“It is an arbitrary, unprovoked, and misguided show of power by a law enforcement agent,” the statement added.

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The association stressed that no law enforcement officer, regardless of rank or circumstances, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner.

The NBA also criticized the officer’s actions, noting that it highlights ongoing concerns about rights violations within 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 emphasized.

The NBA warned that failure to address such conduct could lead to a deeper culture of impunity, eroding the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

“If such unlawful actions by security agencies continue unchecked, fundamental rights may lose their value in a climate of impunity,” it stated.

While acknowledging the police’s announcement of the officer’s arrest, the NBA demanded that accountability extend beyond the individual officer involved.

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“The viral video clearly shows that other policemen aided or were involved in this heinous act,” the NBA said.

“The investigation, arrest, and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have aided or abetted the extrajudicial killing,” it added.

The NBA further called for swift prosecution of all those involved and warned that any attempt to shield suspects would erode public trust in law enforcement.

The statement also directed the NBA Human Rights Committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to monitor the case and ensure proper prosecution.

The incident stems from a video showing a suspect, identified as 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, being shot by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) during an operation in Effurun on April 26, 2026.

The police claimed Ogidi was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel suspected to contain a firearm. However, ASP Nuhu Usman reportedly discharged his weapon, violating Force Order 237 and operational guidelines, leading to the suspect’s death.

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The Delta State Police Command has since initiated internal disciplinary proceedings and confirmed the arrest and transfer of the officer to Abuja for further investigation.

The Nigeria Police Force has also emphasized that it will not tolerate extrajudicial actions by its personnel, insisting that due process will be followed.

The NBA said the case underscores the urgent need for deeper police reforms, particularly in areas of accountability and the use of force, as public scrutiny over law enforcement conduct continues to grow.

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