A civil society organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA), has called for the prosecution of a police officer involved in the killing of a restrained suspect in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as a serious breach of the rule of law and a stark example of extrajudicial execution.
The demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing a handcuffed man, identified as Mene Ogidi, being shot at close range while in police custody on April 26. In a statement issued on Wednesday, SOJA expressed outrage and concern, noting that the victim’s hands were tied behind his back and that he posed no threat at the time of the shooting, despite reportedly pleading for his life.
“This is not policing—it is a breakdown of lawful authority,” the organisation stated, warning that such actions undermine constitutional protections and Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
While acknowledging that the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident, arrested the officer involved, and initiated internal disciplinary proceedings, SOJA argued that these measures are insufficient given the gravity of the case.
The group emphasised that the killing constitutes a violation of Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, as well as Section 34(1), which safeguards the dignity of the human person. It stressed that no suspect forfeits fundamental rights, including the right to life and due process, regardless of the allegations against them.
SOJA further situated the incident within international human rights frameworks, noting that Nigeria is bound by instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, all of which prohibit arbitrary deprivation of life and require states to ensure accountability for violations.
The organisation urged the police, the Federal Government, and relevant oversight bodies to go beyond internal disciplinary action by ensuring a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation, followed by the prosecution of the officer and any accomplices in a competent court of law. It also called for the public disclosure of proceedings to reinforce accountability and restore public confidence.
In addition, SOJA advocated stricter enforcement of rules governing the use of force, alongside enhanced human rights training, supervision, and monitoring within the police.
The group also highlighted the need for justice and support for the victim’s family, noting that accountability extends beyond individual officers to include institutional responsibility where systemic failures occur.
Warning against a pattern of impunity, SOJA said continued incidents of extrajudicial killings could erode public trust, weaken institutions, and undermine democratic governance.
Reaffirming its stance, the organisation stressed that the protection of human life must remain central to justice and governance, urging authorities to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that accountability is both pursued and seen to be done.
