The extra-judicial killing of Mene Ogidi in Effurun by the police in Delta State on 26 April has once more exposed the rump of this arm of law enforcement. The impunity that characterises policing in Nigeria is so deep that citizens often revolt.
Barely two weeks ago, this tradition of regular police abuse of power led to the transfer of 1,332 police personnel out of Delta State at the behest of Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. Such episodic responses are not good enough. Nigeria needs a more structured response to this systemic dysfunction that creates so much pain and trauma in society.
The deceased, aged 28, had gone to Effurun Motor Park to receive a waybill from Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, according to the narrative in the media. Suspicious of the parcel, park operators had demanded that it be opened for its contents to be ascertained.
Mr Ogidi’s adamant posture, however, reinforced their apprehension. But as he eventually yielded to the pressure of his interlocutors, a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition were found in the parcel.
As a result, the suspect came under “citizens’ arrest,” and the police were invited. This laudable civic response eventually turned into an odious scenario as a police team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu took over the matter.
