Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, which occurred on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that Ogidi was unlawfully killed by ASP Nuhu Usman, an officer attached to the Area Command in Effurun.
ASF France's Statement
In a statement issued by its Country Director, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, ASF France acknowledged reports that the Nigeria Police Force has taken the initial step of arresting the officer involved. While welcoming this development, the organization emphasized that the arrest represents only the first step toward the accountability required to satisfy the demands of justice.
According to the group, the summary execution of Mene Ogidi represents a collapse of due process and a breach of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It further violates the principle of presumption of innocence under Section 36, which states unequivocally that every citizen is innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Violation of Regulations
The killing of a suspect in this manner is a direct violation of the rules of engagement and is contrary to Nigeria Police Force Order 237, an internal regulation that strictly limits the use of firearms to extreme situations where there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury. As seen in the video circulating on social media, the victim had his hands and legs tied, posing no imminent threat to anyone.
Furthermore, this act violates regional and international legal frameworks, including Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which strictly prohibit the arbitrary deprivation of life by state actors.
Demand for Accountability
Demanding accountability, ASF France stated that the role of law enforcement is to apprehend and bring suspects before the law, not to act as judge, jury, and executioner. The group added that extrajudicial killings erode public trust and destabilize the foundation of a democratic society.
ASF France called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure transparency by conducting a swift and impartial investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. It also urged the authorities to move beyond internal disciplinary measures to formal prosecution in a court of law to ensure the culprit faces the full weight of the law, and to provide support and a clear path to justice for the family of Mene Ogidi.
Delta Police Command Confirms Disciplinary Action
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that ASP Nuhu Usman will face disciplinary action and prosecution at the Force Headquarters in Abuja for the alleged killing of Mene Ogidi in Effurun. The command stated that the officer's conduct amounted to a violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force governing the use of firearms.
The command's spokesperson, Bright Edafe, who spoke to The Guardian in Asaba, described the incident as unfortunate and inconsistent with the command's commitment to professionalism and accountability. According to him, the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when operatives attached to the Area Command, Effurun, reportedly acted on credible intelligence provided by members of the public concerning the deceased.
Circumstances of the Incident
Edafe explained that Mene Ogidi had allegedly been apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel said to contain a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition. Officers were immediately deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody, but in the course of the operation, ASP Nuhu Usman allegedly discharged his firearm, leading to the suspect's death.
Following reports of the killing, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, ordered the immediate arrest of the officer and directed his transfer from the Effurun Area Command to the State Headquarters in Asaba for disciplinary procedures. Edafe said the officer was promptly arrested, issued a query, and later moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he is expected to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee currently in session.
He added that the committee would determine immediate disciplinary sanctions, while prosecution processes would also commence. The command reiterated that it operates under the principles of respect for the rule of law, protection of human rights, professionalism, and accountability, as well as the need to sustain public confidence in policing. It stressed that there would be zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness, and extrajudicial actions by officers or any personnel under its command.
