Abuja, Nigeria – A tragic incident unfolded in Nigeria’s capital city on November 10, 2024, as a police officer reportedly shot a student following a dispute over an alleged bribe. According to eyewitness accounts, the student, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was shot after allegedly refusing to pay a demanded sum of N200,000.
The shooting occurred in one of Abuja’s busy neighborhoods, drawing widespread attention and sparking public outrage. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the officer involved had stopped the student during a routine stop-and-search operation. However, tensions escalated when the officer allegedly demanded a bribe to release the student, who was reportedly a university undergraduate.
The refusal to comply with the officer’s demand reportedly led to a heated argument, culminating in the officer discharging his firearm. The student sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, sources suggest that he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
This incident has sparked immediate reactions from citizens, human rights activists, and student organizations, who have condemned the use of excessive force by the police. Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags such as #JusticeForTheStudent and #EndPoliceBrutality, reminiscent of the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police violence in Nigeria.
“This is another example of the unchecked abuse of power by some elements within the police force,” stated Damilare Adeleye, a local journalist covering the case. “The demand for a N200,000 bribe is outrageous, and the loss of a young student’s life over such an issue is completely unacceptable.”
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has issued a brief statement, acknowledging the incident and promising a thorough investigation. According to a spokesperson, the officer involved in the shooting has been detained and is currently under investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the unfortunate event.
“We assure the public that a transparent investigation will be conducted, and if the officer is found guilty of misconduct, he will face the full weight of the law,” the spokesperson stated.
The incident has reignited concerns about police accountability in Nigeria, with many citizens questioning the effectiveness of past reforms promised by the government in response to the #EndSARS movement. Despite the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), cases of police extortion and violence have continued to surface.
In the wake of the incident, students from various universities in Abuja have staged peaceful protests, demanding justice for the deceased student. The protesters are calling for the immediate prosecution of the officer involved and renewed efforts to address systemic corruption within the police force.
“It’s heartbreaking that despite the promises of police reform, we are still witnessing such acts of brutality,” remarked a student leader at one of the protests. “We need accountability, and we need it now. The government must ensure that those who are supposed to protect us do not become the very source of our fear.”
This shooting has once again highlighted the deep-seated issues within the Nigerian law enforcement system. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the persistence of police corruption and the apparent lack of accountability for officers who abuse their power.
Legal experts have also weighed in, urging the government to implement more comprehensive reforms to prevent future incidents. “The root causes of these incidents are systemic, ranging from inadequate training to a culture of impunity,” said Barrister Ifeoma Nwankwo, a human rights lawyer based in Abuja. “Until these issues are addressed holistically, we will continue to see more tragic events like this.”
The Nigerian public eagerly awaits the outcome of the investigation into this incident. Many are hopeful that justice will be served promptly, setting a precedent that will deter future abuses by law enforcement officers.
In the meantime, advocacy groups have reiterated their calls for citizens to document and report any instances of police misconduct. “We must not be silent in the face of injustice,” said a representative from the civil rights organization, Citizens Against Police Brutality (CAPB). “Every Nigerian deserves to live free from fear of those sworn to protect them.”
As the nation grapples with yet another incident of police violence, the call for meaningful reform remains louder than ever.
