Where is the Law and Morality?: The Waybill Tragedy
There is a reason why God did not create man on the same day He made animals. That distinction was meant to clearly separate both creations. Yet, despite science and theories of evolution, man often describes himself as an animal or claims descent from one. Still, what truly separates man from animals, beyond intellect, is morality, the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
The disturbing question is this: why, despite possessing the capacity to choose, do humans still choose wrongdoing? Why do some abandon restraint and imitate the wild behaviour of animals slowly losing their humanity in the process? It is a painful reflection of how far man can drift from conscience.
While scrolling through social media, I came across a disturbing report that raises deep concerns about human conduct and the value of life. It is the story of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, who was reportedly arrested by police operatives in Delta State on suspicion of attempting to transport a firearm, a Beretta pistol with ammunition, disguised as a waybill consignment.
He was restrained and posed no threat. Reports indicate that he was cooperative and willing to provide information to the police. He also claimed he had been deceived by a friend in Sapele.
From a legal perspective, his behaviour suggested compliance rather than resistance. He was already under control and was in no way a threat. This raises another question: why was lethal force used in such a situation? After all, it was not necessary.
Read more: Jungle Justice: Mob Kills Two Suspected ‘One-Chance’ Operators in Abuja
Nigeria is governed by laws enshrined in the Constitution, which exists to regulate conduct and protect human dignity. That action, from all available accounts, appears unlawful. Beyond legality, it raises serious moral concerns. One does not need legal training to understand that a defenceless, restrained man should not be shot.
That bullet did not only end a life, it also ended a future, and silenced a potential generation that could have been.
The questions remain: why was he not allowed to speak fully? Was there something to hide? What could have been lost by simply listening? In the pursuit of “justice”, the officer became a threat to the peace he ought to protect.
This is a democracy governed by law, not a system where force replaces procedure. Regardless of allegation, every suspect retains the constitutional right to life. That right does not disappear on suspicion alone. Poverty, ignorance, or circumstance does not remove a person’s entitlement to dignity and lawful protection.
According to the Nigerian Constitution (1999, Section 33), every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived of it intentionally except under strictly defined legal conditions, including:
1. Execution of a court sentence following conviction for a criminal offence.
2. Self-defence or defence of another person against unlawful violence.
3. Lawful arrest or prevention of escape of a lawfully detained person.
4. Suppression of riot, insurrection, or mutiny, where absolutely necessary and in accordance with the law.
Outside these conditions, the intentional deprivation of life is regarded as a violation of constitutional rights.
It is a relief that this incident was recorded. Without evidence, such events are often forgotten or buried. How then can citizens walk freely with confidence? How can trust exist when the phrase “the police are our friends” feels uncertain?
This incident is a reminder that authority must always be guided by restraint. No one should lose their life through impulse, assumption, or abuse of power.
Human beings must not lose their humanity. Conscience remains the foundation of justice, the inner sense of right and wrong that gives law its meaning.
