Oghenemine Ogidi (R) and ASP Nuhu Usman (L) the suspected police officer involved in the extra-judicial killing in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State
By Samuel Ogude
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has strongly condemned the unlawful and extrajudicial killing of a 28-year man who was allegedly shot dead by an officer attached to the Effurun Area Command of the Delta State Police Command in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area.
In a press statement signed by the National President of the body, Dr. Kehinde P. Taiga and made available to news men in Warri, the body said, the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi is an unlawful act that constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)and relevant international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
CDHR therefore called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tunji R. Disu to immediately institute a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident. The body used this medium to commend the Police top hierarchy for promptly arresting the suspect, ASP Nuhu Usman, who acted in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.
Part of the statement reads:”The outcome of such investigation must be made public without delay, and the suspected officer if found culpable, must be prosecuted in accordance with the law and face the full wrath of the law. We further urge IGP Disu to issue firm directives to all officers and men of the Force, particularly within the Delta State Command, to desist from acts of unlawful killings, illegal arrests, extortion, and prolonged or unlawful detention of citizens.
” The Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property, not to abuse power or subject citizens to inhumane treatment. The principle of presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s justice system. The deceased was entitled to due process and fair hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction. No law enforcement officer has the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner under any circumstances.
“CDHR reiterates its zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings and all forms of human rights violations. We demand full disclosure of the circumstances that led to this tragic incident and insist that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Failure to ensure accountability in this matter will further erode public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and undermine the rule of law.”
Recall that SP Bright Edafe, Police Image Maker, Delta State Command, said,when the office got wind of the report of the extra-judicial killing, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, Delta State Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Effurun, to immediately arrest ASP Nuhu Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action. According to SP Edafe, officer has since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he would appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) added: “the Command, in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizes respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust. The Command further reaffirms its zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.”