CITIZENS COMPASS— The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) on Wednesday, warned the Police to avoid covering-up of an extra-judicial killing of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State.
The killing was that of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mr. Mene Ogidi who was said to have died following his arrest.
A viral illustration of the killing captured the deceased with hands and legs tied while sitting in front of a branded Police vehicle and was being dragged with a rope.
The Delta State Police Command had denied this in a statement.
CDHR on Wednesday, issued a statement to seek justice on the death.
The statement jointly signed by Comrades Debo Adeniran, CDHR President and Secretary of Board of Trustee and Jeremiah Onyibe, National Publicity Secretary, reads:
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the extra-judicial killing of Mr. Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old Nigerian, allegedly shot dead by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State, on April 26, 2026.
While CDHR notes the statement issued by the Delta State Police Command acknowledging the incident and the reported arrest and transfer of the officer involved, ASP Nuhu Usman, we state unequivocally that this must not be treated as a routine internal disciplinary matter. The circumstances surrounding this killing point clearly to a grave violation of the right to life and the established rules governing the use of force.
CDHR warns the Nigeria Police Force against any attempt to cover up, dilute, or trivialize this obvious crime. Nigerians have witnessed too many instances where initial assurances of accountability fade into silence, administrative leniency, or opaque proceedings. This case must not follow that troubling pattern.
We demand:
A transparent, independent, and public investigation into the incident.
The immediate prosecution of the officer involved in a competent court of law, beyond internal disciplinary mechanisms.
Full disclosure of findings to the public and the victim’s family.
Adequate compensation and justice for the family of the deceased.
CDHR emphasizes that adherence to the rule of law requires that no officer, regardless of rank, is above the law. The use of lethal force must always be a last resort, strictly guided by both domestic regulations and international human rights standards.
We further state clearly that CDHR will monitor this case closely and follow every step of the process—from investigation to prosecution and final judgment. We will not hesitate to mobilize lawful civic action should there be any sign of obstruction, delay, or miscarriage of justice.
The life of Mene Ogidi matters. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
