The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has received with profound shock and intense outrage the news of the gruesome, extrajudicial murder of 28-year-old Mr. Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, at the hands of men of the Nigeria Police Force. The extrajudicial execution of Mene Ogidi by police officers is a barbaric and unconstitutional violation of the right to life. The Urhobo Renaissance Society condemns this abhorrent act on Urhobo soil, demanding a transparent, open judicial trial rather than extrajudicial street executions for any accused person.
As contained in a statement signed by Prof. Joseph Abugu, SAN , President, and Dr. John Uwa, General Secretary, graphic details and circulating footage of this horrific incident show the young man restrained, defenseless, and pleading for his life before being mercilessly shot at close range. This is not policing; it is state-sanctioned murder and an absolute travesty of justice.
“As an organization deeply committed to the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and the advancement of the Urhobo Nation, the URS states unequivocally that:
- This act is abhorrent on Urhobo soil: We will not stand by and watch the lives of our youth treated with reckless abandon and brazen impunity. The sanctity of human life is paramount, and the streets of our communities must not be turned into slaughterhouses by trigger-happy law enforcement agents;
- It is a blatant constitutional violation: Summary executions are a savage desecration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees every person—including suspects—the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing. The Nigeria Police Force is not a court of law, and its officers are not executioners;
- Every accused deserves their day in court: We firmly maintain that regardless of the gravity of an alleged crime, the rightful mandate of the police is to conduct professional investigations and arraign suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction. The denial of this fundamental democratic right is a threat to civil society;
- Financial Compensation: We recommend and advocate for adequate financial compensation from the Nigerian Police Force as restitution to the Family of Mene Ogidi to address the consequences of an avoidable, tragic and unconstitutional violation of his right to life.
While we acknowledge the swift disciplinary responses initiated by the Nigeria Police High Command—including the arrest, transfer, and recommended dismissal of the principal officer involved, ASP Nuhu Usman—the URS demands that this case must not be swept under the carpet.
We demand full transparency and accountability. We call on the appropriate judicial authorities to ensure that all culpable officers are subjected to an open, expedited trial in a court of competent jurisdiction. Furthermore, we call for an investigation into the logistics company and the origins of the parcel in question to ensure all accomplices are brought to book.
We urge the good people of the Urhobo Nation, particularly our youths, to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful as we follow up on this pursuit of justice. We will continue to use all lawful means to ensure that justice is not only done, but is also seen to be done.
Mene Ogidi must not die in vain.