Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday called for the prosecution of all police officers who allegedly participated in, supported, or enabled the extrajudicial killing of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Delta State.
The NBA made the demand in a strongly worded statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), following public outrage over a viral video showing the killing, which has sparked widespread condemnation across the country.
According to the association, accountability must go beyond the officer who directly carried out the act.
“The investigation, arrest and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have counselled, aided or abetted the extrajudicial killing,” the NBA said, stressing that collective responsibility must be enforced where multiple actors were involved.
Reaffirming its stance on the rule of law, the NBA stated that no law enforcement officer has the authority to take justice into their own hands.
“No law enforcement officer, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner,” the statement read.
The association further emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for every suspect.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” it added.
The NBA warned that continued disregard for due process by security operatives could deepen institutional failure and weaken citizens’ trust in law enforcement agencies.
“If such unlawful actions by security agencies continue unchecked, fundamental rights of people may not amount to much in such a climate of impunity,” it cautioned.
Describing the incident as “disturbing and unacceptable,” the association condemned what it termed a public execution carried out in broad daylight.
“It is worrisome that in this 21st century, a policeman will summarily execute an alleged robber in a devil-may-care attitude,” it stated.
While acknowledging the police command’s arrest of the officer directly involved, the NBA insisted that justice would be incomplete without prosecuting all accomplices.
“The investigation, arrest and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have counselled, aided or abetted the extrajudicial killing,” it reiterated.
The association called for swift, transparent, and decisive prosecution, warning against any attempt to shield culpable officers.
“Any attempt to shield, delay, or dilute accountability in this matter will further erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions and will be firmly resisted by the Bar,” it warned.
The NBA also directed its Human Rights Committees in Delta State to closely monitor the case, engage relevant authorities, and ensure proper prosecution.
It concluded by extending condolences to the family of the deceased, pledging continued advocacy for justice and institutional reform.
