The victim was shot dead while sleeping at his friend’s tea stall, in what witnesses described as an unprovoked and reckless attack.
Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the killing of a young footballer, Sani, by a policeman in the New Market area of Sabon Gari, Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State.
The victim was shot dead while sleeping at his friend’s tea stall, in what witnesses described as an unprovoked and reckless attack.
According to eyewitness accounts, the police officer responsible for Sani’s death was heavily intoxicated and went on a shooting spree in the community.
The incident occurred around 3am on Monday in Angwan-Kaje, Maitumbi, Minna.
Sani, who was unarmed and posed no threat, was reportedly killed in cold blood. Another individual, a tea seller known as Mai Shayi, narrowly escaped being shot.
Nigerian police have long been accused of gross human rights violations, including extrajudicial executions, torture, harassment, and extortion during routine patrols.
Amnesty International in a statement Monday condemned the unchecked brutality of the force, stating, “For decades, Nigeria police had been targeting youth with utter disregard for the rule of law.”
A witness speaking to SaharaReporters on Monday said, “The officer shot him unlawfully while he was sleeping. He attempted to shoot another person called Mai Shayi, but he ran and escaped. Bullet shells were found at the scene.”
Another source described Sani as a well-known and peaceful individual. “We knew him. He was not arrogant and he did not belong to any ‘Yan daba’ group. He was a good person,” the source said.
Amnesty International stressed that despite repeated promises of police reform, extrajudicial killings and other abuses remain rampant in Nigeria.
“It is unacceptable that despite many pledges of reforms, the police in Nigeria continue to operate with complete impunity, while fomenting a toxic climate of fear and corruption,” the organisation stated.
The killing of Sani has sparked outrage within the community, with residents demanding justice. His burial took place earlier today, as family and friends mourned his untimely death.