Table of Contents
- Demand for Prosecution
- Previous Stalling of Cases
- Allegations Against Soldiers
- Case of Terrorism Financiers
- Importance of Timely Prosecution
- Call for Action
Human rights attorney Femi Falana has officially reached out to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), requesting the prompt prosecution of 10 soldiers accused of the murder of three police officers in Taraba State, along with 400 individuals suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria.
Falana, acting on behalf of a coalition of legal practitioners dedicated to human rights and public accountability, noted that these cases had previously been stalled under the former AGF, Abubakar Malami.
The prominent lawyer asserted that the 10 soldiers were allegedly involved in the killing of the police officers in August 2019 to protect a notorious kidnapper, Bala Hamisu, also known as Wadume, and that the charges against them were dismissed through a controversial application for nolle prosequi.
He further highlighted a separate matter concerning 400 suspected terrorism financiers, primarily currency exchange operators associated with Boko Haram.
According to him, these suspects were apprehended and investigated by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Department of State Services, yet prosecutions were never initiated, even after judicial strikes concluded in mid-2021.
He insisted that the prompt prosecution of these suspects and the recovery of funds from the financiers would have significantly bolstered Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
Falana additionally stressed that terrorism is not bound by any statute of limitations and urged for the re-arrest and immediate prosecution of both the soldiers and the financiers in the interest of national security.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
“We are a group of legal practitioners committed to defending human rights and promoting public accountability in Nigeria.
“Given the recent announcement by the Federal Government to intensify the fight against terrorism, we find it necessary to bring to your attention the cases of terrorism financiers that were previously overlooked by your immediate predecessor, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN,” the letter partially stated.
What actions is Femi Falana taking regarding the prosecution of soldiers and terrorism financiers?
Femi Falana has formally requested the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately prosecute 10 soldiers accused of killing three police officers, as well as 400 individuals suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria.
Why were the cases previously stalled?
The cases were previously stalled under the former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, which led to a lack of prosecution for the suspects involved.
What is the significance of timely prosecution in these cases?
Timely prosecution of the suspects and recovery of funds from terrorism financiers is crucial for strengthening Nigeria's counter-insurgency efforts and ensuring national security.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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