Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its swift response to the alleged extrajudicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, which involved police officers in the state. The governor specifically praised Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu for approving the dismissal and prosecution of Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable.
Governor Calls for Full Justice
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori described the killing as “barbaric, unlawful, and a grave violation of the sanctity of human life.” He noted that the police leadership’s response signals accountability within the system. The disciplinary measures against the officers, particularly given the widely circulated video of the incident, represent a critical step toward restoring public trust in law enforcement.
The governor emphasized that the process must not end with initial sanctions, insisting that all implicated officers be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement quoted the governor, underscoring the need for transparency and due process.
Oborevwori assured the bereaved family of the state government’s full support as the case progresses, pledging that authorities will follow it through to its logical conclusion. He added that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice and strengthening safeguards to prevent a recurrence.
The governor expressed deep sorrow over the killing, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, and reiterated that no citizen deserves such brutality. He stressed that the protection of lives remains paramount under his administration. While condemning the incident, Oborevwori urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding lives and property, and promoting a just and humane society.
HURIWA Condemns Growing Pattern of Extrajudicial Killings
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned what it described as a growing pattern of extrajudicial killings by operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force. The group called the trend dangerous and unacceptable. HURIWA said Nigeria is increasingly witnessing a situation where institutions meant to protect lives are implicated in their violation, citing persistent reports of unlawful killings as evidence of impunity, weak accountability, and systemic disregard for human rights under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The recent killing of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, in Abuja, is a painful reminder of this reality. Eyewitness accounts and family testimonies suggest that the young man was shot inside his home in Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, raising serious questions about the official claim of ‘crossfire’ during an anti-robbery operation,” the group stated.
“This incident underscores a broader and more disturbing pattern where security agencies routinely provide convenient explanations without transparent, independent investigations or accountability for those responsible.”
Through its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA called for all cases of alleged extrajudicial killings to be subjected to transparent, independent, and time-bound investigations, with full public disclosure of findings.
