Ogheneruona Tejiri, Warri.
The Federal Government and the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have been called upon to ensure institutional reforms in the Police Force with a view to re-orientate men and officers of the Police towards their duties just as it insists that justice should be served on the issue of extra-judicial killing in Effurun.
This call was made by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, apex socio-cultural organization of Urhobo nation in a statement signed by Dr. Kehinde P. Taiga, National Publicity Secretary, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide made available to the Reformeronline in Warri, the UPU condemned in strong terms the extra-judicial killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, a 28 years old Urhobo son.
While commending Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu and Police authorities for promptly taking some initial disciplinary measures of arrest and dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other policemen involved in the dastard act, the Urhobo Progress Union insisted that justice must take its full course warning that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
According to the UPU, “we call for the immediate strengthening of institutional mechanisms for continuous training, retraining, and reorientation of police officers on professionalism, strict adherence to the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights in the execution of their duties.
“The alarming prevalence of extortion by some police officers, particularly targeting Nigerian youths, has assumed a systemic and unacceptable dimension, effectively transforming what should be a service-oriented institution into an avenue for daily exploitation. This misconduct must be decisively curtailed through enforceable accountability frameworks and internal disciplinary controls.”
The UPU noted that the dastard act constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental right to life as enshrined under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and is further inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adding, “the sanctity of life and the rule of law must not be compromised under any guise.”
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) further added, “we further urge the IGP to issue unequivocal directives to all officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly within the Delta State Command, to desist from acts of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, extortion, and unlawful or prolonged detention of citizens. These acts are not only unconstitutional but also undermine the legitimacy of law enforcement institutions and erode public trust.
“It is imperative to reiterate that the principle of presumption of innocence remains sacrosanct within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The deceased was entitled to due process and a fair hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction. No officer of the law possesses the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner.
UPU Worldwide maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extrajudicial killings and all forms of human rights violations.
“We demand full disclosure of the facts surrounding this tragic incident and insist that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Any failure to ensure accountability will further diminish public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and constitute a grave affront to the rule of law.”
The Federal Government and the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have been called upon to ensure institutional reforms in the Police Force with a view to re-orientate men and officers of the Police towards their duties just as it insists that justice should be served on the issue of extra-judicial killing in Effurun.
This call was made by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, apex socio-cultural organization of Urhobo nation in a statement signed by Dr. Kehinde P. Taiga, National Publicity Secretary, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide made available to the Reformeronline in Warri, the UPU condemned in strong terms the extra-judicial killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, a 28 years old Urhobo son.
While commending Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu and Police authorities for promptly taking some initial disciplinary measures of arrest and dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other policemen involved in the dastard act, the Urhobo Progress Union insisted that justice must take its full course warning that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
According to the UPU, “we call for the immediate strengthening of institutional mechanisms for continuous training, retraining, and reorientation of police officers on professionalism, strict adherence to the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights in the execution of their duties.
“The alarming prevalence of extortion by some police officers, particularly targeting Nigerian youths, has assumed a systemic and unacceptable dimension, effectively transforming what should be a service-oriented institution into an avenue for daily exploitation. This misconduct must be decisively curtailed through enforceable accountability frameworks and internal disciplinary controls.”
The UPU noted that the dastard act constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental right to life as enshrined under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and is further inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under applicable international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adding, “the sanctity of life and the rule of law must not be compromised under any guise.”
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) further added, “we further urge the IGP to issue unequivocal directives to all officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly within the Delta State Command, to desist from acts of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, extortion, and unlawful or prolonged detention of citizens. These acts are not only unconstitutional but also undermine the legitimacy of law enforcement institutions and erode public trust.
“It is imperative to reiterate that the principle of presumption of innocence remains sacrosanct within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The deceased was entitled to due process and a fair hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction. No officer of the law possesses the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner.
UPU Worldwide maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extrajudicial killings and all forms of human rights violations.
“We demand full disclosure of the facts surrounding this tragic incident and insist that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Any failure to ensure accountability will further diminish public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and constitute a grave affront to the rule of law.”
