Rights Lawyer Condemns Extra-judicial Killing Of One Ogidi In Effurun, Demands Transparent Prosecution

•‘One Case Too Many’ – COBFAB DG Says Video Saved Case From Being Suppressed

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Human rights lawyer and Director General of COBFAB for Human Rights Actualization, Omes Ogedegbe Esq., has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killing of one Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, describing it as “unacceptable in a civilized society governed by law.”

Reacting to the incident on Monday, Ogedegbe noted that while the Delta State Police Command had arrested and transferred the officer for disciplinary action, the case “once again exposes the recurring pattern of unlawful use of force by security operatives against citizens.”

“This is one case too many. The only reason this incident attracted swift public attention is because it was captured on video. Many similar incidents without video evidence are either denied, suppressed or forgotten without accountability,” he said.

Ogedegbe stressed that illegal possession of firearms, upon conviction, attracts 14 years imprisonment, adding that “the officers have more explanation to make.”

“No police officer has the right to act as judge, jury and executioner. Every suspect, irrespective of the allegation, remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to fair hearing,” he stated.

The rights lawyer warned that continued extra-judicial killings undermine public confidence in law enforcement and weaken the rule of law. He urged authorities to go beyond internal disciplinary procedures and ensure transparent prosecution of culpable officers.

“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. The sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and security agencies must operate strictly within the law and established rules of engagement,” Ogedegbe added.