Police probe alleged killing of footballer by drunk officers in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of footballer Sani, who was reportedly shot dead by intoxicated police officers in Minna on Monday.

Witnesses reported that Sani was killed while resting at his friend’s tea stall in the New Market Sabon Gari area of the Chanchaga Local Government Area after the officers allegedly went on a drunken shooting spree.

“Sani was killed by police officers last night under disturbing circumstances. He was sleeping outside when the police shot him without any provocation or offence,” an anonymous resident reported.

Another resident added that after the police officers had left, people returned to the scene of the incident to check on Sani, but he was already dead.

“It was later revealed that the police officers involved were intoxicated at the time. Evidence linking them to the crime was found, including a bullet and an empty bottle of Gulder,” the resident said.

Meanwhile, the state police spokesperson, W.A. Abiodun, confirmed on Tuesday that the force had already taken steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sani’s death.

Abiodun disclosed that the state commissioner of police, Shawulu Ebenezer Dammam, had already directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maitumbi to identify the officer responsible for the shooting.

“The DPO has been directed to investigate and identify the team who allegedly committed such a heinous act for further necessary action. Further developments and actions taken will be made known to the public in due course,” Abiodun stated.

Amnesty International Nigeria called for the authorities to launch an immediate and unbiased investigation into the murder in a tweet on Monday, demanding immediate justice for the deceased football player.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the killing of footballer Sani by a policeman at New Market Sabon Gari Chanchaga LGA of Niger State. Sani was shot dead by the police while sleeping at his friend’s tea stall,” Amnesty International tweeted.

“For decades, the Nigeria Police have been targeting youth with utter disregard for the rule of law. 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.”