Police brutality under spotlight as Akwa Ibom Court verdict echoes other extrajudicial killing cases

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has reportedly sentenced a police sergeant, identified as Sgt. Goodnews Akpan, to death by hanging over the alleged torture and killing of a suspect while in custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Nsemeke Daniel on May 25, 2026, followed a case in which the suspect was allegedly arrested in connection with a bailable offence but died after being subjected to severe torture while in police detention.

The ruling has drawn renewed public attention to longstanding concerns about extrajudicial killings and custodial abuse in Nigeria’s policing system, particularly in cases involving suspects detained for minor or non-violent offences.

The verdict comes against the backdrop of multiple recent cases across Nigeria in which police officers have been accused of excessive force or unlawful killings while in custody or during arrest operations.

In recent years, rights groups and civil society organisations have documented several incidents of alleged extrajudicial killings, including cases where suspects reportedly died during interrogation or were shot during police operations that later sparked public outrage and calls for reform.

One widely referenced incident in Delta State involved a young man who was allegedly killed during a police encounter in Effurun, an event that triggered protests and renewed criticism of operational conduct within some tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force. Human rights organisations said the case reflected broader concerns about the use of excessive force and weak accountability mechanisms within law enforcement.

Under Nigerian law, torture, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings violate constitutional protections, including the right to dignity of the human person and fair treatment under the law. The Anti-Torture Act also criminalises the use of inhuman or degrading treatment against suspects in custody.

Legal analysts say the latest judgment reinforces the principle that law enforcement officers are not exempt from prosecution where abuse of authority results in death.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger oversight of police tactical units and improved enforcement of disciplinary measures, arguing that repeated custodial death cases continue to undermine public trust.

The ruling is expected to intensify ongoing discussions around police reform in Nigeria, especially regarding interrogation practices, detention conditions, and accountability for officers accused of misconduct.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official response to the reported conviction.

The case adds to growing pressure on security institutions to address concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings and ensure compliance with both domestic laws and international human rights standards.