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THE UNTIMELY DEMISE OF IGBOJA ONYE OGENE: ANOTHER CASE OF POLICE MISCONDUCT IN NIGERIA BY GABRIEL ODI
The tragic death of Igboja Onye Ogene, killed by a stray bullet from a policeman’s rifle, is yet another instance of an issue that has persisted in Nigeria: the deadly consequences of unprofessionalism and lack of accountability in law enforcement. His passing reflects the disturbing reality that many innocent lives have been lost due to reckless actions by those sworn to protect them.
One of the most significant questions surrounding Igboja's death is: why was the policeman's rifle not on safety? This detail is particularly troubling, as standard operating procedures dictate that firearms should always be in safe mode when not actively engaged in a clear and present threat. This case suggests that the officer involved either ignored or was inadequately trained in these procedures. Such lapses often stem from poor training, inadequate supervision, and a culture of impunity that has grown in the Nigerian police force over time.
Many of these incidents are due to a lack of proper training and discipline. In some cases, officers are poorly educated on weapon handling and crowd control, leading to tragic mistakes like that which cost Igboja his life. Further, the absence of regular mental health checks for officers, particularly those working in high stress environments, also raises concerns about their ability to make sound judgments under pressure.
One of the primary factors contributing to police misconduct is a flawed system that rarely holds officers accountable. Even when cases like these come to light, investigations are often slow, inconclusive, or lacking in transparency, allowing guilty officers to escape without facing consequences. The lack of accountability breeds a culture of carelessness, as officers are rarely held responsible for their actions, fostering indifference toward human life and security.
Public outcry for justice in similar cases has too often gone unanswered. Families who lose loved ones due to police misconduct seldom see their cases resolved with justice. In Nigeria, the demand for accountability following cases of extrajudicial killings is common, yet systemic changes have been slow, with reforms being piecemeal and insufficient.
The demand for justice for Igboja Onye Ogene is not just about punishing the specific officer involved; it’s also about addressing the root causes that allow such incidents to persist. The issue requires a structural overhaul. Reforming the Nigerian police force requires substantial investments in training, continuous monitoring, and stricter regulations regarding weapon handling. Furthermore, transparent and independent investigations into these incidents are crucial to regaining public trust in the force.
A framework that enforces consequences for breaches of protocol would encourage officers to adhere more strictly to professional standards. The issue of unprofessional behaviour within the police force has led to a widespread loss of public confidence, and each new case only deepens this mistrust.
The unfortunate death of Igboja Onye Ogene is not an isolated incident but part of a broader problem affecting Nigeria’s law enforcement. Until there are reforms that prioritize professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct, tragic stories like this will continue. Justice for Igboja is necessary, but his death should also serve as a rallying call for Nigerians to demand a safer, more accountable, and professional police force, one that values the lives of the people it serves and protects them with honour.
#Justice4Igboja
Gabriel Odi. From Enugu