Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized the Federal and Benue State Governments for delaying the prosecution of arrested suspects in connection with killings across the state.
He noted that many suspects have been arrested over the years for crimes ranging from illegal possession of firearms to mass killings and kidnapping, but most of them are never charged or brought to justice.
Falana’s reaction comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, during which he ordered the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the latest wave of violence in the state.
The legal luminary described the president’s directive as potentially symbolic, noting that previous arrests had not led to convictions or justice for victims.
Falana also criticized the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for accusing residents of Yelwata community of providing shelter for the killers, saying the CDS’ statement was an attempt to shift blame onto victims instead of addressing the systemic failures of security and governance.
The human rights lawyer highlighted several instances of arrests made by the police, including the arrest of 273 suspects involved in capital crimes, the discovery of an illegal firearms factory, and the apprehension of suspected kidnappers with ransom money.
Despite these arrests, no significant prosecutions have been reported, leading Falana to conclude that the authorities have continued to treat suspected killers in Benue State like sacred cows.
Falana urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr Fidelis Mnyim, to take immediate steps to ensure that justice is served.