The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has voiced serious concern over a viral video showing police officers in Delta State carrying out the extrajudicial killing of a suspect. The situation was further confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, who stated that those involved would face murder charges. The NBA described the incident as a reckless and unjustified abuse of power that tarnishes the image of the Nigerian Police Force.
According to the association, the act underscores persistent allegations that some officers routinely violate the rights of suspects and even innocent individuals. The NBA strongly condemned the incident, stressing that no law enforcement officer—regardless of rank—has the authority to take on the roles of prosecutor, judge, and executioner. The Constitution clearly upholds the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The NBA noted with concern that some law enforcement and government officials continue to disregard the very laws that establish and regulate their conduct. Such actions, it said, are unconstitutional and represent a serious infringement on the fundamental rights of citizens. If left unchecked, this pattern of abuse could erode the value of human rights in society.
The association insisted that such misconduct must not go unpunished, as it strikes at the core of the rule of law, human dignity, and the constitutional right to life. It described as alarming the fact that a suspect was summarily executed in public, in clear violation of due process and legal procedures.
While commending the police for condemning the act and arresting the main suspect, the NBA emphasized that this step alone is not enough. It pointed out that the video suggests the involvement of other officers who either participated in or supported the act. As such, all those connected to the incident must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, as they share responsibility.
The NBA called for swift, transparent, and comprehensive prosecution of all those involved, warning that any attempt to shield offenders or delay justice would further undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
To ensure accountability, the NBA has directed its Human Rights Committees in Warri, Effurun, and Udu to monitor developments closely. It also tasked its Human Rights and Civil Liberties Committees to track similar cases nationwide, engage relevant authorities, and take necessary steps to ensure justice is served.
The association reiterated its strong condemnation of the incident, calling for an immediate end to such abuses and urging that erring officers be removed from the force to protect its integrity.
