NBA condemns Delta police killing, demands full prosecution of officers

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly denounced the killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, describing the incident as an unconstitutional act that threatens public trust in law enforcement.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association was alarmed by a widely circulated video showing the fatal shooting, as well as the police confirmation that the officer responsible would face a murder charge.

According to the NBA, the incident represents a blatant abuse of authority and a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the constitutional guarantees of the right to life and fair hearing.

“This is an arbitrary and unjustified display of power by a law enforcement officer,” the statement read, stressing that no individual in uniform has the authority to assume the roles of investigator, judge, and executioner.

The association reiterated that under the Constitution, every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, warning that actions such as this undermine the rule of law and fuel concerns about systemic rights abuses within security agencies.

While acknowledging that the police have arrested the officer involved, the NBA insisted that accountability must not be limited to a single individual. It pointed out that other officers captured in the video may have played active or supportive roles in the incident and should also be investigated and prosecuted if found culpable.

“The process must extend to all those who may have aided, abetted, or encouraged the unlawful act,” the association said, cautioning that any attempt to shield those responsible would further erode public confidence in the justice system.

To ensure transparency, the NBA directed its Human Rights Committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to closely monitor the case and follow through on the prosecution process.

The incident occurred on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, where a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, was allegedly shot by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified as Nuhu Usman, during an operation.

Police authorities had earlier stated that the suspect was apprehended while allegedly attempting to transport a parcel believed to contain a firearm. However, the officer reportedly discharged his weapon in breach of Force Order 237 and established operational procedures, resulting in the suspect’s death.

The Delta State Police Command has since commenced internal disciplinary measures, confirming that the officer has been taken into custody and transferred to Abuja for further investigation.

The Nigeria Police Force has also reaffirmed its stance against extrajudicial actions, pledging that due process will be followed in handling the case.

The NBA noted that the incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms, particularly in areas relating to the use of force and institutional accountability, amid growing public scrutiny of law enforcement conduct across the country.