By Human rights activist and former AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has warned of a possible resurgence of nationwide protests following the recent killing of Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old suspect, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman in Delta state. Since yesterday, the incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country.
AfrikTimes had earlier reported that in a video obtained online, a police officer was seen shooting a suspect whose hands were already cuffed behind his back, despite series of pleading from the suspect.
Reacting in a video statement, Sowore said the public’s immediate response reflects deep-seated anger against police brutality. He alleged that many officers involved in such acts are remnants of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), who, according to him, were never fully removed from the system.
“You can tell already by the immediate reactions of Nigerians that they hate police brutality. Most of them who are committing these atrocities are the former SARS people that they should have dismissed from the police and they’re still in the force,” he said.
He further claimed that such officers are often relied upon for “dirty jobs,” adding that the presence of the recording revealed the incident to the public.
“They didn’t know who took the video or else, they would have killed him,” Sowore added.
The activist also criticised what he described as a failure to sustain pressure on the police after the End SARS protests, arguing that the force merely adapted its methods rather than reforming.
“We shouldn’t have let off against the policemen, even after the EndSARS protest. The police didn’t change their ways, they only hid it more from the public,” he stated.
Sowore encouraged citizens to document police activities where possible, referencing a legal backing for such actions. “A judge ruled that everybody has the right to cover the police whether they’re committing an atrocity or not,” he said, while urging the public to find discreet means of capturing evidence of misconduct.
He also called for sweeping administrative action within the police hierarchy in Delta State, insisting that accountability must go beyond the officer directly involved.
“My position is the commissioner of police and all the top echelon of Police in Delta State must be relieved of their position immediately. Delta has become a difficult state recently, a hub for renewed repression,” he said.
Sowore also advocated for a broader institutional response, including a national inquiry into police conduct.
“There must be a national judicial enquiry about police repression,” he said, warning that failure by authorities to act could trigger renewed protests. “If the Nigerian government… ignores it, they will see an EndSARS 2.0 coming up soon.”
He, however, acknowledged the wave of public condemnation that has followed the incident, describing it as a sign of collective resistance against abuse.
“I’m glad that Nigerians have come out en masse (online) to say this is not acceptable and we will see to it that this one is concluded,” he added.
