Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as a grave violation of the rule of law.
Ogidi was shot at close range by an armed officer, identified as Nuhu Usman, who is attached to the Delta State Police Command.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Obi described the incident as “barbaric,” stressing that such actions undermine justice and accountability.
“The extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law,” he said.
The incident, which was captured in a widely circulated video, has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over police brutality in Nigeria.
Obi noted that the killing highlights the urgent need for accountability within the nation’s security agencies and strict adherence to due process.
“Human society has moved away from an era when lives could be taken without consequence. A fundamental principle of civilisation is that no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt,” he added.
He warned that such incidents could worsen public anxiety, especially at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with insecurity and recurring violence across the country.
According to him, actions involving state actors further erode public confidence in security institutions.
Obi, however, acknowledged the response of the police authorities, commending what he described as a prompt reaction to the situation.
He called on the police to ensure a transparent investigation and to hold those responsible accountable.
The Delta State Police Command had earlier confirmed the incident, stating that the officer involved has been arrested and is currently undergoing disciplinary procedures.
