Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said preliminary findings show that officers from the Effurun Area Command acted on intelligence from the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway, where the suspect was held by a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.

While taking Ogidi into custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly discharged his firearm unlawfully, killing the suspect.

Reacting to the tragic death of Ogidi via a post on his official X account, Obi said the extrajudicial killing of the young Nigerian man is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law.

“Over time, human society has moved away from an era when lives could be taken without consequence. Through the evolution of civilisation, a fundamental principle has emerged: no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt,” he said.

“Such acts inflict unimaginable trauma on the bereaved family and deepen public anxiety in an already distressed society. Nigerians are already traumatised by recurring reports of brutal killings by terror organisations across the country, and incidents of this nature – especially when involving state actors – only worsen that psychological burden and erode public confidence in safety and security.”

Obi added that in light of this, while the law must take its full course, he can only commend the prompt response of the police authorities so far and express confidence that they will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.

According to the former Governor of Anambra State, such responsiveness is necessary to reassure the public that justice will not be compromised, urging the police to sustain this approach.

“I therefore urge the police and all security agencies to sustain this approach by acting with transparency and accountability,” he said.

“Furthermore, recruitment processes must be more rigorous, ensuring that only individuals of sound judgment and the right frame of mind are entrusted with firearms.”

In the final analysis, Obi stated that these measures can restore public trust and uphold justice – both of which are indispensable to building a new Nigeria that is possible.

Meanwhile, the NPF had earlier condemned the fatal shooting of the 28-year-old Ogidi on April 26, 2026, explaining that the officer involved and his team face disciplinary action.

According to a statement, police authorities ordered the immediate transfer of the officer and his team to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, to face the Force Disciplinary Committee and possible prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunde Disu, has extended his condolences to the victim’s family, assured that justice will be served, and urged calm as investigations continue.

Disu has also reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on extrajudicial actions and abuse of authority.

Similarly, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has condemned Ogidi’s killing, describing it as a violation of Nigerian laws, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and international humanitarian standards.

The commission has commended the Delta State Commissioner of Police for initiating disciplinary measures, including the suspension and interdiction of the officers involved pending investigation.

The PSC has also extended its condolences to the bereaved family, calling for calm as the process of justice unfolds.