A global human rights group, Amnesty International, has called on President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to promptly carry out thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, Delta state. 

Mr Ogidi, 28, was killed by an armed police officer, Nuhu Usman, attached to the Delta State Police Command and captured in a viral video. 

The violent killing drew wide condemnations. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty International described the killing as “horrifying,” noting that Mr Ogidi was unarmed and posed no threat at the time he was allegedly shot at close range.

The group stressed that such actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the fundamental right to life and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

“It is horrifying that an unarmed young man who clearly posed no threat to anyone was gunned down at close range, in utter disdain for the right to life. Such killings cannot be justified under any circumstances whatsoever. The Nigerian authorities must end such horrifying unlawful killings. 

“The use of force by law enforcement officials must comply with international human rights standards. Lethal force must only be used as a last resort to protect life,” the group said. 

The Delta Police Command said it men arrested Mr Ogidi while attempting to waybill a package believed to contain a Beretta pistol and ammunition.

The command police spokesman, Bright Edafe, said that the senior police officer leading the operation, Mr Usman, acted in violation of Force Order 237 and the Nigeria Police Force’s standard operating procedures.