By Emmanuel Thomas
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed deep outrage over a viral video depicting the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by police officers in Effurun, Delta State, describing the act as an “arbitrary, unprovoked, and misguided show of power.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, asserted that no law enforcement officer possesses the authority to act as “prosecutor, judge, and executioner.” He emphasized that the Constitution remains clear: every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The NBA noted that the summary execution, carried out in full public view, reflects a disturbing trend of law enforcement officers violating the rights of both suspects and innocent citizens.
”It is worrisome that in this 21st century, a policeman will summarily execute an alleged robber in a devil-may-care attitude,” the statement read. “If such unlawful actions continue unchecked, fundamental rights may not amount to much in such a climate of impunity.”
While the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the arrest of the primary perpetrator, the NBA insists this is insufficient. The Association pointed out that the footage shows other officers aiding or abetting the act, all of whom must be held jointly liable.
The NBA has issued several directives to ensure the matter is not swept under the rug:
Immediate Prosecution: A call for the transparent and urgent trial of all officers involved.
Local Monitoring: NBA branches in Warri, Effurun, and Udu have been directed to monitor the investigation closely.
Institutional Pressure: The Human Rights and Civil Liberties Committees will track the case to prevent any attempt to “shield or dilute” accountability.
Call for Comprehensive Reform
Extending condolences to the family of the deceased, the NBA President reiterated that the incident underscores the desperate need for comprehensive police reform. The Association argued that “bad policemen” must be removed from the force to protect its integrity and restore public confidence.
”The Nigerian people deserve to see that the law applies equally to all,” Osigwe stated, vowing that the Bar will firmly resist any delays in the pursuit of justice.
