Trigger-Happy Policing and the Death of Justice in Delta
By Matthew Eloyi
The disturbing account of the killing of 28-year-old Ogidi Mena in Delta State is yet another grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked police brutality in Nigeria. If the details of this incident are anything close to accurate, then what we are confronted with is not just a tragic loss of life, but a direct assault on justice, due process, and the rule of law.
Mena’s ordeal reportedly began at Effurun main park along Sapele Road, where he had gone to collect a waybill on behalf of a friend. What should have been a routine errand spiraled into a nightmare when he was allegedly forced to open the package, revealing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition. From that moment, suspicion replaced reason, and mob action gave way to official misconduct.
Even more troubling is what followed. Instead of allowing for proper investigation, due process, and the possibility of extracting useful intelligence from the suspect, the responding officer, identified as ASP Nuhu Usman, also known as Ogbegbe, allegedly took matters into his own hands. Reports claim that Mena was shot in the hand at the park, despite being restrained and pleading for mercy. He was said to have offered to lead authorities to the individual who sent him – an opportunity that could have unraveled a potentially larger criminal network.
Yet, that opportunity was never taken.
The most chilling allegation is that upon arrival at the police station, and before any formal handover to superior authorities, the officer shot Mena again, this time fatally. If true, this was not policing. It was execution.
This raises troubling questions that cannot be ignored. Why was there such urgency to silence a suspect who could have provided critical information? What was at stake that made due process seem inconvenient? And more importantly, what does this say about the culture of accountability within the Nigeria Police Force?
Even in cases involving illegal possession of firearms, a serious offence under Nigerian law, there are clear legal procedures to follow. Arrest, investigation, and prosecution are the pillars of justice. Summary execution is not. When officers abandon these principles, they do not fight crime; they become part of it.
The argument here is not about absolving Mena of wrongdoing, if any existed. It is about affirming a fundamental truth: no individual, regardless of the allegations against them, should be denied the right to a fair hearing. The moment law enforcement officers assume the role of judge, jury, and executioner, the entire justice system is compromised.
There must be a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this incident. Mere dismissal from service, if that even occurs, would be grossly inadequate. If the allegations are proven, those responsible must face the full weight of the law. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.
Nigeria cannot continue down this path where extrajudicial killings are normalised and accountability is optional. The badge is not a license to kill. It is a symbol of trust, one that must not be betrayed without consequences.
Until there is real accountability, stories like that of Ogidi Mena will continue to haunt the conscience of the nation.
