The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the extrajudicial killing of a suspect by police officers in Delta State, describing the incident as an arbitrary and unprovoked abuse of power that violates the rule of law, the right to life and the dignity of the human person.
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In a statement dated April 29, 2026, and signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA said it was disturbed by the viral video showing the killing, as well as the confirmation by the Police Public Relations Officer that those involved would be tried for murder.
The association said the action of the officer involved portrayed the Nigeria Police Force in a bad light and once again brought attention to repeated allegations that some policemen routinely violate the rights of suspects and innocent citizens.
The NBA stated that no law enforcement officer, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the power to act as prosecutor, judge and executioner.
“The NBA unequivocally condemns this act. No officer of the law, regardless of rank or circumstance, has the right to act as prosecutor, judge, and executioner,” the statement read.
The association stressed that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria presumes every person innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, adding that unlawful actions by security agencies, if left unchecked, could render fundamental rights meaningless in a climate of impunity.
It said no society should allow such conduct to go unpunished, noting that the killing captured in the viral video struck at the heart of humanity, the rule of law and constitutional guarantees of the right to life and dignity.
The NBA said it was particularly disturbing that, in the 21st century, a policeman could summarily execute an alleged robber in public glare and in violation of laws regulating the treatment of criminal suspects.
While commending the police for condemning the incident and arresting the main perpetrator, the NBA insisted that such action was not enough.
According to the association, the viral video showed that other policemen either aided or were involved in the act, and the investigation, arrest and prosecution must extend to every officer who counselled, aided or abetted the extrajudicial killing.
“We therefore call for the immediate prosecution and trial of all officers involved in this heinous act. Any attempt to shield, delay, or dilute accountability in this matter will further erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions and will be firmly resisted by the Bar,” the NBA said.
The association demanded that the prosecution be conducted with full transparency and urgency, saying Nigerians deserve to see that the law applies equally to everyone, including those entrusted with enforcing it.
It also directed the Human Rights Committees of the NBA in Warri, Effurun and Udu in Delta State to monitor developments in the case and ensure that the matter is properly investigated and prosecuted.
The NBA further directed its Human Rights Committee and Civil Liberties Committee to closely monitor allegations of violations of citizens’ rights in other places, engage relevant authorities and take necessary legal and institutional steps to ensure that justice is pursued and served.
The association said the conduct must stop, adding that bad officers in the police force must be shown the way out to prevent them from giving the institution a bad name.
“The bad policemen in the Force must be shown the way out to avoid giving it a bad name,” the statement added.
The NBA extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, saying it shared in their grief over what it described as a painful and avoidable loss.
“NO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER HAS THE POWER TO ACT AS PROSECUTOR, JUDGE, AND EXECUTIONER”It assured the family that it would continue to press for accountability so that justice is done and the memory of their loved one is not diminished by impunity.
The association added that the incident again underscored the urgent need for comprehensive police reform, particularly in the areas of accountability, use of force and respect for human rights.
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