Police Welfare Group condemns alleged killing by officer Usman Nuhu, demands open trial

Chinedum Ukaegbu

Movement for Improved Welfare for Nigeria Police Force (miwNPF) has strongly condemned the alleged unlawful killing of a suspect by a police officer identified as Usman Nuhu, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a setback to ongoing police reform efforts in Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Pastor Olutola Folorunsho (popularly known as Babo), the group expressed outrage over the incident, stressing that it undermines public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement, the killing represents a violation of the suspect’s fundamental right to life, as well as the principle of presumption of innocence enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and the Police Act 2020.

The group described Officer Usman Nuhu as “a major bad egg undermining police reform,” noting that such actions sabotage the collective efforts of stakeholders working to improve welfare, discipline, and professionalism within the Force.

miwNPF further emphasized that misconduct of this nature erodes the already fragile relationship between the police and the public, making it more difficult to build a people-friendly policing system.

Calling for accountability, the group demanded that the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission ensure that the officer is subjected to a transparent and public trial.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement read, adding that an open trial would serve as a deterrent to other officers and reassure Nigerians that impunity will not be tolerated.

The organization also used the opportunity to reaffirm its support for the majority of police officers, whom it described as hardworking and patriotic individuals operating under challenging conditions.

“It is precisely because we advocate for improved welfare for officers that we cannot tolerate the few bad eggs who tarnish the image of the Force and endanger both citizens and their colleagues,” the group stated.

miwNPF called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately order a full and impartial investigation into the incident, suspend the officer in line with police regulations, and ensure that justice is delivered to the family of the deceased.

The group further insisted that the findings of the investigation must be made public to restore confidence in the system.

Reiterating its commitment to police reform, miwNPF maintained that improving welfare, training, and equipment for officers must go hand-in-hand with strict adherence to accountability and human rights standards.

“We cannot build a modern, people-friendly police force if officers who unlawfully take lives are shielded from justice,” the statement added.

The group urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring that it would continue to monitor developments in the case until justice is served.