The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for justice and strengthened accountability following the alleged extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, described the incident as a grave threat to the nation’s moral foundation.
The position of the Senate President was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, after Akpabio addressed lawmakers ahead of plenary on Tuesday at the National Assembly.
Akpabio said the killing demands urgent attention from both lawmakers and security agencies, stressing that the protection of citizens’ lives must remain paramount.
“Before we proceed with today’s business, I consider it necessary to address the tragic extra-judicial killing of citizen Mene Ogidi, just 28 years old,” he said.
Ogidi, an indigene of Ujevwu in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, was reportedly shot dead on April 26, 2026, in circumstances that have sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over alleged police brutality and misuse of force.
On behalf of the Senate, Akpabio extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Ujevwu community, and Nigerians affected by the incident, emphasising the sanctity of human life.
“Every Nigerian life is sacred. The strength of our Republic rests on the assurance that the life of every citizen, regardless of status, location, or circumstance, must be protected under the law,” he stated.
The Senate President underscored that national unity and stability depend heavily on public trust in state institutions, particularly security agencies, warning that such trust must not be eroded by misconduct.
“Every nation is built on trust ,trust that the uniform of the state will protect, not harm; trust that authority will be exercised with restraint, not impunity; and trust that when wrong is done, justice will be swift, fair, and certain,” he added.
Akpabio acknowledged steps reportedly taken by the Nigeria Police Force, including the identification, dismissal, and prosecution of officers allegedly linked to the killing, describing the actions as a positive signal of accountability.
However, he insisted that the process must go beyond preliminary measures, calling for a thorough, transparent, and conclusive investigation.
“This commendable beginning must lead to conclusive justice. The Nigerian people expect and deserve nothing less than a transparent and diligent process that will culminate in justice being done and being seen to be done,” he said.
He further urged renewed commitment to the rule of law and institutional strengthening, noting that while law enforcement agencies must be empowered, they must also be held accountable for their actions.
“In this hour of mourning, we are summoned to reaffirm our devotion to the sanctity of human life, the supremacy of the law, and the strengthening of our institutions,” he said.
Akpabio also directed the senator representing the affected constituency to convey the Senate’s condolences to the family, while urging relevant authorities to ensure a full investigation into the case alongside broader police reforms.
“Let this moment of grief spur us to renew our resolve to build a nation where justice knows no bias, institutions command trust, and every Nigerian lives free from fear,” he added.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased, as calls for accountability and comprehensive security reforms continue to mount across the country.
