Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has shared a disturbing video showing alleged Nigerian police officers shooting a tied-up young man in Delta state, accusing them of planning to cover up the incident. The footage, posted on his social media, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for investigation.
Details of the incident
The video shows a young man crying in pain and begging armed men in mufti, who are seen with a police van bearing the inscription 'Nigeria Police Force, Effurun Area Command, Uvwie.' The distressed young man pleaded for mercy, saying he would reveal everything: 'Officer, abeg, I will tell you everything.' However, instead of listening, one of the men pulled out a weapon and shot him.
Gwamnishu explained that the video was not staged and urged Nigerians to share it widely so authorities could investigate. He wrote: 'This video is disturbing. Please share to the authorities to investigate this ASAP. This is live execution carried out by some armed men alleged to be Police officers attached to Effurum Area Command.'
Allegations of cover-up
Shortly after his first post, Gwamnishu shared images showing the young man with his hands and legs tied, as well as a photo of the police van displaying the station's address. In an emotional statement, he questioned how officers could shoot a restrained suspect who posed no threat. He wrote: 'You caught him and tied both hands behind his back, stripped of any chance to defend himself. He wasn't fighting, he wasn't running, he was begging. Begging for a chance. Begging you to take him to Sapele, to show you someone, anyone, who could speak for him, who could prove his innocence. But you didn't listen. You pulled the trigger and ended his voice, his plea, his chance to be heard.'
Gwamnishu further alleged that the officers might place a gun beside the victim's body and label him an armed robber to justify the shooting. He challenged the police force to defend their actions, insisting in the comment section that the story was confirmed and accurate, and that the officers killed the young man to cover up something.
Public reaction
The video has drawn outrage from Nigerians on social media. User @asikabright said: 'How can you kpai person wey you don already tied up, no matter his crime, it's only the court that can sentence him, what manner of lawlessness is this?' @pitakwa1 commented: 'That policeman has been killing innocent people before now. It was so easy for him. Not his first time.' @muripounds01 wrote: 'Who knows how many has been done behind the camera?' @denglishalhajii reacted: 'Dey unalived him to cover up someone I swear to God.' @suobaby_ said: 'The family should take legal action against the officer. No law allows a suspect to be shot instead of being arrested and taken to court.'
The incident has reignited debates about police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. Activists and citizens are calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the officers involved.
