‘Officers cannot be prosecutor, judge, executioner’ — NBA condemns Police killing of unarmed suspect in Delta
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by a police officer in Delta State, describing it as a “misguided show of power” that weakens the rule of law.
A viral video circulating on Tuesday captured the moment the restrained suspect, with his hands tied behind his back, was shot by an officer attached to the Delta police command.
The footage, which lasts under two minutes, has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice for the victim and prosecution of the officer involved.
In response, police authorities confirmed that the officer, identified as Usman Nuhu, an assistant superintendent of police, has been arrested and moved to the force headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.
Reacting to the development, NBA president Afam Osigwe stated that no law enforcement official has the right to assume the roles of “prosecutor, judge, executioner.” He noted that such actions violate the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and damage the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
“This is an arbitrary, unprovoked, and misguided show of power by a law enforcement agent. Not only did the act clearly show that the policeman took the law into his hands but portrayed the Nigerian Police Force in a bad light,” the statement reads.
“The sordid act once more put under the spotlight the unceasing allegations that law policemen routinely violate the rights of criminal suspects and even innocent persons.”
Osigwe warned that unchecked actions by security operatives could erode fundamental rights and encourage impunity within the system.
“Regrettably, many law enforcement and executive functionaries fail to abide by the terms of the laws that set them up as well as regulate their actions, but this is not always the case,” he said.
“They continue to act in a manner which must not be encouraged in all decent societies. Some of such actions are usually unconstitutional, illegal, and an unlawful infringement on the rights of individuals.
“If such unlawful actions by the security agencies continue unchecked, the fundamental rights of people may not amount to much in such a climate of impunity.”
He added that accountability should not be limited to the officer who pulled the trigger but must extend to any personnel involved in the incident.
“The investigation, arrest, and prosecution process must extend to any other officer who may have counselled, aided, or abetted the extra-judicial killing, as they all will be jointly liable for the heinous act,” he said.
Osigwe called for a transparent and swift trial, warning that any attempt to shield those responsible would further erode public confidence in law enforcement.
He also disclosed that the NBA has directed its human rights committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is served.
“In furtherance of this, the NBA Human Rights Committee and Civil Liberties Committee are hereby directed to closely monitor allegations of violations of citizens’ rights in any other place, engage with relevant authorities, and take all necessary legal and institutional steps to ensure that justice is diligently pursued and ultimately served,” he added.
Osigwe reiterated the association’s call for comprehensive police reforms, particularly in areas of accountability and use of force, stressing that the NBA stands with the victim’s family and will continue to push for justice.