A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, has accused a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, of the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as “brutal, inhumane and a clear case of murder.”
Ogidi was allegedly shot dead in front of the Effurun Area Command in Uvwie Local Government Area, in an incident that has sparked outrage following the circulation of a viral video.
In a statement, Edun claimed that the officer, also known as Ogbebe, first shot the victim in the leg at Effurun roundabout before he was taken to the police facility.
He alleged that despite being restrained and posing no threat, the victim was shot multiple times at close range within the premises of the Area Command.
“That was a cold-blooded and brutal murder. The young man was pleading his innocence and offered to take the police to the person who sent him, yet he was executed,” Edun said.
The senior lawyer stressed that the victim had his hands tied and could not have posed any danger, insisting that the use of lethal force was unjustifiable.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the killing, suggesting possible foul play.
“Was it done to cover up the identity of the owner of the gun or other things we do not know? Was the officer acting alone or on the authority of others?” he asked.
Edun further alleged that other officers present at the scene failed to intervene and may have been complicit, noting that the viral footage showed policemen encouraging the act.
According to him, “That was a planned conspiracy. Those officers had a duty to stop the killing but failed to act.”
Citing Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the SAN emphasised that no Nigerian has the right to take another person’s life except in accordance with a court sentence.
He, however, commended the Delta State Police Command for the arrest of the suspect and his transfer to Abuja, but insisted that all officers involved must be investigated and prosecuted.
Edun disclosed that he is following up on the case and has been contacted by the victim’s family for legal representation.
“We intend to ensure that justice is done. This is one senseless killing too many,” he added.
The incident has drawn comparisons with past cases of police brutality that triggered nationwide outrage, with renewed calls for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
