The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, describing the incident as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a serious threat to public trust in law enforcement.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA reacted to a viral video showing the shooting of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, allegedly during a police operation in Effurun on April 26, 2026.
The association said the incident reflects a disturbing abuse of power and called for full accountability beyond the officer directly involved.
“No officer of the law, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner,” the NBA stated.
The association stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life and presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
According to the NBA, the killing undermines constitutional safeguards and weakens confidence in the justice system, warning that failure to address such conduct could deepen a culture of impunity within security agencies.
While acknowledging that the police have arrested the officer involved, the NBA insisted that investigations must extend to others who may have participated or supported the act.
“The investigation, arrest and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have counselled, aided or abetted the extrajudicial killing,” the statement added.
The association further directed its human rights committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is served.
Reports indicate that the officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, allegedly discharged his weapon in violation of police operational guidelines during an arrest operation involving Ogidi, who was suspected of transporting a parcel believed to contain a firearm.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the officer and said he has been transferred to Abuja for further investigation. The Nigeria Police Force also reiterated its stance against extrajudicial killings, promising that due process will be followed.
The NBA concluded by calling for urgent reforms in police accountability and use-of-force standards, saying the incident highlights ongoing concerns about rights violations by security personnel across the country.
