The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the killing of a restrained suspect, Mr Mene Ogidi, by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as unlawful and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation said the incident, which was captured in a widely circulated video, showed a handcuffed man pleading for his life before being shot.
“This shocking incident shows a handcuffed and defenceless man pleading for his life before being fatally shot,” Nwanguma said. “The victim was already under control and posed no imminent threat. The action of the officer, identified as ASP Usman Nuhu, was not only unjustifiable but constitutes a clear case of extrajudicial execution and a grave violation of the right to life.”
RULAAC expressed concern that the killing, which reportedly occurred in public, reflected a persistent culture of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force.
“That such an act could be carried out in public, with apparent disregard for legal consequences, underscores a deeply troubling culture of impunity,” the statement read. “It raises serious concerns about whether the lessons of the #EndSARS protests have truly been learned or institutionalised.”
While acknowledging reports that the officer involved has been arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters for disciplinary proceedings, the organisation insisted that internal measures alone are insufficient.
“Administrative measures must not replace or undermine criminal accountability in a case of this magnitude,” Nwanguma said.
The group called for a series of actions, including “a prompt, independent, transparent, and credible investigation” with findings made public, and “the immediate prosecution of ASP Usman Nuhu in a competent court of law for murder.”
It also demanded accountability for supervising officers, protection for witnesses, and justice for the victim’s family, including official acknowledgement of wrongdoing and compensation.
RULAAC warned that the incident reflects a broader pattern of excessive use of force and weak accountability mechanisms within law enforcement.
“This incident is not an isolated tragedy but part of a persistent pattern of abuse of authority,” the statement added. “If left inadequately addressed, it will further erode public trust and embolden future violations.”
Reaffirming its position, the organisation stressed that due process must be upheld in all cases.
“Nigeria cannot afford to normalise a system where suspects are denied due process and summarily executed by those entrusted with enforcing the law,” Nwanguma said. “The rule of law demands that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.”
RULAAC said it stands in solidarity with the family of the victim and remains committed to ensuring justice and reforms to prevent a recurrence.
“Accountability in this case must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done,” the statement concluded.
