Dare Babalola
A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as barbaric and a serious violation of the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi said the killing by a police officer was unacceptable and reflected a dangerous disregard for due process and justice.
“The extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, Mr. Mene Ogidi, is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law,” he said.
Obi noted that modern society had long moved beyond an era where lives could be taken without accountability, stressing that no citizen should be punished or deprived of life without a fair legal process.
“Through the evolution of civilisation, a fundamental principle has emerged: no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt,” he stated.
He said such incidents leave lasting pain for grieving families while worsening fear and trauma among citizens already troubled by insecurity and violent attacks across the country.
“Such acts inflict unimaginable trauma on the bereaved family and deepen public anxiety in an already distressed society,” Obi said.
According to him, reports of brutal killings by criminal groups and further abuses involving security personnel continue to weaken public trust in the country’s safety institutions.
While calling for justice, Obi commended the prompt steps already taken by the police authorities and urged them to ensure the case is pursued transparently to its conclusion.
“I commend the prompt response of the police authorities so far and express confidence that they will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” he said.
He further called on the police and other security agencies to sustain accountability measures and improve recruitment processes to ensure only mentally fit and responsible persons are allowed to bear arms.
“Recruitment processes must be more rigorous, ensuring that only individuals of sound judgment and the right frame of mind are entrusted with firearms,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State governor said restoring public trust and ensuring justice remain critical to nation-building.
“These measures can restore public trust and uphold justice — both of which are indispensable to building a new Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
