The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of an unarmed and handcuffed suspect in Delta State, and demands immediate investigation and prosecution of the police who perpetrated the crime.
CDHR in a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by its National President, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin and General Secretary, Comrade Idris Afees Olayinka, recalled that a viral video circulating on social media captures the disturbing incident, showing the officer fatally shooting the suspect who was already restrained, unarmed and under police custody.
“At the time of the shooting, the victim posed no imminent threat to the officer or to the public. This act constitutes a grave violation of Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the Nigeria Police Force Order 237 on the Use of Firearms.
“The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, in Effurun, Delta State.”
CDHR, while condemning the unlawful act, also demanded the immediate identification, arrest, and disarmament of the officer captured in the video.
“The officer must be taken into custody without delay. Furthermore, both the officer and his direct supervisor should be suspended from duty pending a thorough investigation, in order to prevent any interference with the process and to ensure accountability.
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to direct the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to commence a transparent, independent, and time-bound investigation into the incident. The findings of this investigation must be made public, and appropriate disciplinary and legal actions must follow.
“Importantly, if the evidence confirms the unlawful killing, the officer must be dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and charged with murder in accordance with the law, particularly under Section 316 of the Criminal Code Act.
“CDHR firmly rejects the use of internal disciplinary measures such as orderly room proceedings as a substitute for criminal prosecution in cases involving homicide.
“We also demand adequate compensation for the family of the deceased, to be jointly provided by the Federal Government and the Delta State Government. In addition, we call on the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, to issue a proactive public statement outlining concrete steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.
“The Nigeria Police Force must be reminded of its motto: “Police is your friend.” The execution of a handcuffed and defenseless suspect is a betrayal of this principle and a serious erosion of public trust. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
CDHR has vowed to continue to monitor developments closely, stressing that it remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
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