No Uniform Gives Right to Kill — IGP Orders Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that no Police uniform confers the right to unlawfully take a citizen’s life, ordering the dismissal and prosecution of Officers implicated in a controversial killing in Delta State.
The directive follows the fatal shooting of a young man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, an incident that sparked Nationwide outrage after a video surfaced online. The victim was reportedly shot at close range while in Police custody, despite pleading his innocence.
Reacting to the development, the IGP described the Officers’ actions as criminal, unprofessional, and a clear violation of the Nigeria Police Force’s rules of engagement. He stressed that the Force operates under the rule of law and will not tolerate extrajudicial killings under any circumstance.
Preliminary findings from internal investigations revealed that the Officers involved breached established procedures governing the use of firearms. The Force Disciplinary Committee subsequently recommended their immediate dismissal, with the IGP confirming that they would face prosecution once administrative processes are concluded.
The Police chief reiterated that law enforcement personnel are mandated to protect lives and ensure suspects are brought to justice through lawful means—not through unlawful use of force. He emphasized that the ongoing reforms within the Force are aimed at restoring public trust and ending impunity.
Meanwhile, legal and civil society groups have welcomed the move but called for transparent prosecution to ensure justice is served. The Nigerian Law Society described the killing as a grave violation of the constitutional right to life, urging authorities to follow through with criminal proceedings without interference.
The IGP also extended condolences to the victim’s family and appealed for calm, assuring Nigerians that justice would be pursued diligently.
The incident has further reignited concerns over police brutality and accountability, with many Nigerians demanding sustained reforms to prevent future occurrences.
