Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the Federal and State Governments for negotiating with terr%rists and bandits instead of prosecuting them in line with Nigerian law.
Speaking at Amnesty International’s Second Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Falana said it has become common practice for government officials to hold discussions with insurgents and bandits, leading to the forgiveness and reintegration of thousands of so-called repentant f+ghters, some of whom reportedly received financial support.
According to him, terr%rist groups such as Boko Haram have already been proscribed under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, meaning their members should face prosecution rather than being rewarded or granted amnesty. He argued that the law makes it a serious offence to participate in or facilitate meetings connected to terr%rist groups.
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Falana further stated that governors do not have the legal authority to pardon terr%rists or bandits. He explained that suspects arrested for terr%rism-related offences should be prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and, if convicted, sentenced in accordance with the law before any consideration of clemency can arise.
The senior lawyer also referenced provisions of the anti-terr%rism law, which prescribe severe penalties for individuals who knowingly support, organize, attend, or facilitate activities linked to terr%rist groups.
He warned that granting pardons to terr%rists and bandits accused of kidnappings, k+llings, att@cks on schools, and other vi%lent crimes could undermine justice, public safety, and national security. Falana maintained that accountability for such offences is essential to protecting victims and upholding the rule of law.
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