Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State. The actor described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, calling for decisive action to restore public trust in law enforcement.
Kanayo voiced his outrage on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State, through a post on X, reacting to a disturbing video shared by activist Harrison Gwamnishu. The footage showed Ogidi with his hands tied behind his back, pleading for his life before being shot in the leg and then fatally in the head by an officer attached to the Effurun Area Command.
“The killing of Mene by a Nigerian police officer is very unfortunate, and everything must be done to that officer to show Nigeria is not a monkey country where anything can just happen.”
The actor directed his plea to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, urging him to treat the matter with utmost seriousness. He warned that unchecked police misconduct could affect anyone.
“Please, Inspector General of Police, Disu, this case must be taken seriously. My son could be involved tomorrow, your son might be as well,” Kanayo cautioned.
Kanayo also highlighted the risks faced by practitioners in the movie industry, who often use firearms as props during productions. He questioned how officers like the one involved in Ogidi’s killing might react if they encountered actors carrying prop weapons.
“I work in the movie industry, where sometimes we carry guns to shoot movies. Now imagine this type of police officer apprehending anyone in the movie industry with a gun, would he ever give the person a chance to explain what they are using it to do?” he asked.
To mitigate such risks, Kanayo advised producers to obtain fake gun licences from local police stations for prop weapons, stressing that this precaution could prevent tragic misunderstandings with overzealous officers.
The execution-style killing of Ogidi has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria, with many citizens demanding accountability and reform within the police force. The incident has reignited debates about extrajudicial killings and the urgent need for stricter oversight of officers.
In response, the Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the officer directly involved, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman. He has been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings and investigation.
The move is seen as an important step toward justice, though public opinion remains cautious, with many insisting that only transparent prosecution and punishment will restore confidence in the system.
Kanayo’s intervention underscores the growing role of public figures in amplifying calls for accountability. His remarks reflect widespread frustration with recurring cases of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, which have eroded trust between citizens and law enforcement.
The actor’s emphasis on the vulnerability of ordinary Nigerians, as well as professionals in industries like film, highlights the broader societal risks posed by unchecked police violence. His appeal to the Inspector-General of Police serves as a reminder that reform must be systemic and not limited to isolated disciplinary actions.
The killing of Mene Ogidi has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with police misconduct. Kanayo O. Kanayo’s outspoken condemnation adds weight to public demands for justice and reform. With ASP Nuhu Usman now in custody, attention turns to whether the disciplinary process and subsequent prosecution will deliver accountability.
For many Nigerians, the outcome of this case will serve as a test of the police force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens. As Kanayo warned, the stakes are high: without decisive action, the cycle of impunity risks continuing, leaving every citizen vulnerable to similar tragedies.
