Extrajudicial killings Erode Public Trust – ASF  …condemns  Mene Ogidi killing 

By Bertram Nwannekanma, Monday Osanyade

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) has condemned the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.

Reports indicate that Ogidi was unlawfully killed by ASP Nuhu Usman, attached to the Area Command, Effurun.

 ASF France, in a statement by its Country Director, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, acknowledged reports that the Nigeria Police Force has taken the initial step of arresting the officer involved. While welcoming this development, the organisation emphasised that arrest represents only the first step towards the accountability required to satisfy the demands of justice.

According to the group, the summary execution of Mene Ogidi represents a collapse of due process and a breach of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It further violates the principle of presumption of innocence under Section 36, which states unequivocally that every citizen is innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The killing of a suspect in this manner is a direct violation of the rules of engagement and is contrary to Nigeria Police Force Order 237, an internal regulation that strictly limits the use of firearms to extreme situations where there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury.

“As seen in the video circulating on social media, the victim had his hands and legs tied, posing no imminent threat to anyone.

“Furthermore, this act violates regional and international legal frameworks, including Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which strictly prohibit the arbitrary deprivation of life by state actors,” it stated.

Demanding accountability, ASF France said the role of law enforcement is to apprehend and bring suspects before the law, not to act as judge, jury and executioner.

The group added that extrajudicial killings erode public trust and destabilise the foundation of a democratic society.

ASF France called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure transparency by conducting a swift and impartial investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. It also urged the authorities to move beyond internal disciplinary measures to formal prosecution in a court of law to ensure the culprit faces the full weight of the law, and to provide support and a clear path to justice for the family of Mene Ogidi.

ASF France pledged its commitment to the defence of human rights in Nigeria and said it would continue to monitor the legal proceedings closely to ensure the case does not end in impunity.