Global human rights group, Amnesty International, has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the killing of a young footballer, Sani Khalid, by a policeman in the New Market area of Sabon Gari, Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The footballer was shot dead while sleeping at his friend’s tea stall, in what onlookers described as an unprovoked and reckless attack.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Police officer responsible for Sani’s death was heavily intoxicated and went on a shooting spree in the community.
The incident was said to have occurred around 3 am on Monday, March 10, 2025 in Angwan-Kaje, Maitumbi, Minna, the capital of Niger State.
Amnesty International in a statement said Sani, who was unarmed and posed no threat, was reportedly killed in cold blood, with another individual, a tea seller known as Mai Shayi, narrowly escaped being shot too.
The rights group said the Nigerian Police have long been accused of gross human rights violations, including extra-judicial executions, torture, harassment, and extortion during routine patrols.
Amnesty International while condemning the unchecked brutality of the Force, stated that for decades, the Nigerian Police had been targeting youth, with utter disregard for the rule of law.
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The global human rights body stressed that it is unacceptable that despite many pledges of reforms, the Police in Nigeria continue to operate with complete impunity, while fomenting a toxic climate of fear and corruption.
The killing of Sani has sparked outrage within the community, with residents demanding justice.
His burial took place earlier on Tuesday, as family and friends mourned his untimely death.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, has confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Dammam, had directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maitumbi to investigate and identify the officer responsible for the shooting.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
