Following another accidental discharge by a police officer leading to the death of a young footballer identified as Sani in the Angwan-Kaje area of the Maitumbi area within the Minna metropolis, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, has raised concern over the alarming rate of reckless shootings and extra-judicial killings by police officers in Minna, the Niger State capital, in recent times.
This was contained in an official letter signed by the Chairman of the NBA Minna Branch, Barrister Isyaku Barau, to the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command.
It was earlier gathered that, on March 10, at about 3. am, a police officer, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, had an accidental discharge killing Sani.
The association condemned the unlawful killings of innocent civilians, citing these actions as a violation of fundamental human rights and a threat to public trust in law enforcement.
The NBA identified three recent tragic incidents, such as the killing of a Keke-NAPEP rider, the brutal shooting of a female immigration officer near the Obasanjo Shopping Complex, and the murder of a young professional footballer in Maitumbi, allegedly in the hands of a drunken police officer, and expressed concern over the pattern of extra-judicial killings.
The NBA said they have put forth urgent demands, including thorough investigations into the incidents, the prosecution of the involved officers, compensation for the victims’ families, and the implementation of preventive measures, such as reassessing firearm handling protocols and conducting psychological evaluations for active-duty officers.
The association stressed that any attempt to shield those responsible would elicit strong legal action and public advocacy, a warning the police have taken note of, promising a thorough investigation into the incident to bring the officer to book.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
