Lawyers Without Borders France Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing of Mene Ogidi in Delta State, Demands Swift Prosecution

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), also known as Lawyers Without Borders, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi, a 28 year old suspect, in Effurun, Delta State, describing the incident as a serious breach of constitutional and international human rights protections.

This was contained in a statement signed by Angela Uwandu Uzoma Iwuchukwu, Country Director, Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders).

Mr. Ogidi was reportedly killed on April 26, 2026, by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Nuhu Usman, attached to the Area Command in Effurun.

The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested the officer involved, a development the rights organisation acknowledged, but said was only an initial step that must be followed by full accountability through prosecution.

ASF France said the arrest of the officer does not, on its own, satisfy the requirements of justice, stressing that a transparent and independent legal process must follow.

The organisation said the killing reflects a breakdown of due process and raises serious concerns about the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers in Nigeria.

ASF France described the incident as a summary execution that violates Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to life, and Section 36, which enshrines the presumption of innocence.

It also cited Nigeria Police Force Order 237, which restricts the use of firearms to situations involving imminent threat to life or serious injury.

According to the group, reports and circulating video footage suggest that the victim was restrained at the time of the incident, with his hands and legs tied and no apparent threat posed.

The organisation further said the act contravenes international human rights instruments, including Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary deprivation of life by state authorities.

ASF France urged Nigerian authorities to ensure a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

It called for the prosecution of any officer found culpable, warning against limiting the matter to internal disciplinary procedures within the police.

The organisation also called for support and justice for the family of the deceased, urging authorities to ensure accountability is not delayed or undermined.

ASF France said it would continue to closely monitor developments in the case to ensure that justice is served and that the matter does not end in impunity.