Mene Ogidi’s death and the unending cycle of Police brutality
By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigeria Police Force is back in the spotlight not for a major breakthrough in national security, but for a brutal atrocity. Controversy has erupted following the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State.
The victim had visited the Effurun main park on Sapele Road to collect a waybill, which was later discovered to contain a Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition.
Despite the suspect’s persistent denials of ownership, ASP Nuhu Usman popularly known as Ogbegbe who led the police team to the park and shot the suspect. Ogidi was killed instantly without any provocation.
The State Police Command has since confirmed that the trigger-happy officer and his team have been disarmed and arrested. They were initially taken to the Benin Divisional Headquarters and subsequently transferred to Abuja to face trial.
This latest incident has sparked widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians demanding decisive action against the erring officers.
Reacting to the development, communication expert Olola Seun Akioye condemned the killing and called on the Inspector-General of Police to end the culture of impunity within the force.
“I am truly exhausted. I do not blame those who have left this country. IGP Tunji Disu must do everything possible to ensure the police cannot just end anyone’s life at will,” Akioye stated.
He further questioned what the officer might have been desperate to cover up and why no one on the team intervened to stop him.
Similarly, social commentator Comrade Israel Joe questioned the motivation behind the summary execution, asserting that the incident is a clear case of murder.
He argued that dismissal from the force is insufficient and called for a deep investigation into whether the officer had a hidden connection to the evidence.
“What was he covering that led him to shoot Mene on the spot? I strongly suspect that ASP Ogbegbe knows something we do not. Why kill the young man in such a hurry?” Joe asked.
He added that even if a suspect is found in possession of a firearm, it does not justify an immediate killing, noting that accepting a delivery does not automatically make someone an armed robber.
Beyond being a fundamental human right, life is globally regarded as sacred. The illegal termination of life remains a capital offense, a principle so deeply held that many nations have abolished the death penalty to reinforce this sanctity. As public attention shifts toward the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure justice, this tragedy has renewed urgent calls for an end to police brutality.
The Nigerian Constitution empowers the police to protect lives and property, investigate crimes, and prosecute suspects. No part of the law grants personnel the power to harass or kill citizens extrajudicially. Officers who violate this constitutional mandate must face the full weight of the law.
Relevant authorities must remain relentless until bad eggs are weeded out of the force. For ASP Usman, a thorough and transparent investigation is essential. If found guilty, he must be publicly dismissed and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who would abuse their power.