NBA denounces summary execution of defendant in Delta region

Afam Osigwe, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, has vehemently denounced the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, a suspect, by a police officer in Delta State, labeling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

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The incident, which was captured in a video that surfaced on social media on Tuesday, shows Ogidi being shot by a police officer while seated on the ground with his hands tied behind his back, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for justice.

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The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu, the officer involved in the shooting, has been apprehended and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.

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Afam Osigwe has emphasized that no law enforcement officer has the authority to assume the roles of prosecutor, judge, and executioner, highlighting that the incident is a clear breach of the constitutional presumption of innocence and undermines public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, Osigwe described the act as an arbitrary and unacceptable exercise of power by a law enforcement agent, underscoring that it has once again brought to the forefront long-standing concerns about the violation of suspects' and citizens' rights by some security personnel.

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Osigwe warned that if such actions are allowed to persist unchecked, they could lead to the erosion of fundamental rights and foster a culture of impunity, stressing the need for a thorough, transparent, and speedy investigation into the incident.

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The NBA President has called for accountability to extend to all officers who may have been involved in or present during the incident, emphasizing that the investigation and prosecution process must cover any other personnel who may have aided, abetted, or failed to prevent the extrajudicial killing.

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Osigwe has directed the NBA Human Rights Committee and Civil Liberties Committee, along with its branches in Warri, Effurun, and Udu, to closely monitor the case and ensure that justice is served, while also reiterating the NBA's call for comprehensive police reforms, particularly in the areas of accountability and the use of force.

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The association has expressed solidarity with the victim's family and pledged to continue advocating for justice in the matter, with Osigwe stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.