The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian, Ogidi Mena, by a police officer attached to the Effurun Area Command in Delta State.
In a press statement issued by its National President, Kehinde Prince Taiga, the organization described the incident as a “reprehensible act” and a clear violation of the victim’s fundamental right to life, as enshrined in Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), as well as international human rights obligations binding on Nigeria.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police, Disu Olatunji, to immediately launch a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
It stressed that the findings must be made public and that any officer found responsible should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
CDHR further urged police authorities to issue strict directives to officers nationwide, particularly within the Delta State Command, to refrain from unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, extortion, and prolonged detention of citizens.
The statement emphasized that the police are constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property, not to violate citizens’ rights.
Reaffirming the importance of due process, the organization noted that the deceased was entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing before a competent court.
It warned that no law enforcement officer has the authority to act outside the bounds of the law.
The rights group reiterated its zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings and demanded full disclosure of the events leading to the incident.
It also cautioned that failure to ensure accountability would further erode public trust in the police and weaken the rule of law.
CDHR insisted that justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served.
