Extrajudicial Killing of Mene Ogidi: A test case for police accountability in Nigeria
By RULAAC
The extrajudicial killing of Mr. Mene Ogidi by operatives of the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force is not just another incident of excessive use of force – it is a defining moment that will test whether Nigeria’s policing system is capable of accountability or remains trapped in a culture of impunity.
Disturbingly, as more facts emerge, they generate more questions than answers. This is often the hallmark of cases where there may be attempts – subtle or overt – to obscure the truth.
At the center of this case is the issue of a waybill allegedly linked to firearms. Critical questions remain unanswered: Who sent the package? Who was the intended recipient? If Mene Ogidi was merely an errand bearer, as suggested, then the investigation must move beyond the victim to uncover the network behind the transaction. Anything less would suggest either investigative incompetence or deliberate diversion.
A Pattern of Concealment?
Equally troubling is the reported delay in the circulation of the video evidence. That such a disturbing incident only surfaced publicly three days later raises legitimate concerns. Did the police hierarchy become aware of the video before it went viral? If so, what actions were taken? If not, what does this say about internal accountability systems?
Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and corresponding state laws, there are clear obligations regarding documentation, reporting, and investigation of serious crimes, especially those involving loss of life. Failure to promptly act on such evidence may constitute obstruction or dereliction of duty.
Where is the Body? A Question of Dignity and Evidence
The uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of Mene Ogidi’s remains is both disturbing and unacceptable. The handling of a victim’s body is not merely procedural – it is fundamental to justice. It affects autopsy, forensic analysis, and ultimately, prosecution.
The Police Act 2020 imposes duties on the police to respect human rights and uphold the dignity of persons, even in death. Any failure in this regard is a violation not just of law, but of basic humanity.
Command Responsibility and Institutional Silence
The role of senior officers – including the Area Commander and the leadership of the Delta State Command – must be thoroughly examined. What did they know? When did they know it? What actions did they take?
Command responsibility is a recognized principle in both domestic and international law. Supervising officers cannot evade liability where abuses occur under their watch, especially where there is evidence of negligence, acquiescence, or cover-up.
Blurring the Line Between Law Enforcement and Lawlessness
Another deeply troubling dimension is the presence of individuals in mufti at the scene. Were they police officers or civilians? If civilians, under what authority were they involved in an armed operation? If officers, why were they not properly identified?
This raises serious concerns about the outsourcing or informalization of coercive state power – a dangerous trend that undermines legality and accountability.
Who Are the Suspects? Why the Secrecy?
Reports indicate that some officers have been arrested and transferred to Abuja. Yet, their identities and roles remain undisclosed. Transparency demands that Nigerians know who is being investigated, for what, and under what legal processes.
Secretive disciplinary procedures have historically enabled impunity. This must not be another case where the public is asked to “trust the process” while justice quietly evaporates.
The Role of Oversight Institutions
This case must not be left solely in the hands of the police. Independent oversight is essential.
The Police Service Commission has constitutional responsibility for discipline and oversight of police personnel. The National Human Rights Commission must also exercise its mandate to investigate human rights violations.
In addition, if credible progress is not made, there is a strong case for a judicial commission of inquiry, as was done following the End SARS protests. While imperfect, such panels provided victims with a platform and compelled some level of public accountability.
Use of Force: A Clear Breach of Standards
The use of lethal force in this case appears prima facie unjustifiable.
Both Nigerian law and international standards – including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms – require that lethal force be used only as a last resort, strictly necessary to protect life. From available evidence, these standards were grossly violated.
Will This Case Be Different?
Nigeria has witnessed too many cases of police killings followed by weak investigations, compromised prosecutions, and eventual silence. The question is whether this case will follow that familiar trajectory.
For this to mark a turning point, the following must happen:
– Full disclosure of all officers and individuals involved
– Immediate, independent, and transparent investigation
– Public release of findings
– Prosecution conducted in open court
– Protection of witnesses and evidence
– Continuous public updates on the progress of the case
Anything short of this will reinforce a dangerous message – that the lives of ordinary Nigerians can be taken without consequence.
Conclusion
The killing of Mene Ogidi is not an isolated incident. It is a reflection of systemic failures within policing in Nigeria. But it is also an opportunity – an opportunity to demonstrate that accountability is possible.
If the authorities fail this test, they will not only deny justice to one man – they will deepen a crisis of legitimacy that continues to erode public trust in law enforcement.
