Leadnaija
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has accused the Federal Government of shielding perpetrators of mass killings in Benue State by failing to prosecute suspects arrested over the last several months.
Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), said the government’s reluctance to arraign suspects was fostering a dangerous culture of impunity, in which those behind heinous crimes are treated like “sacred cows.”
His remarks come days after President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to arrest and prosecute those behind the killings during a recent visit to Benue.
In a statement made available to reporters on Monday, Falana noted that despite multiple high-profile arrests by the police and local vigilantes, there has been no meaningful prosecution or conviction of those responsible for violence in the state.
Citing specific examples, Falana recalled that the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, had on December 30, 2024, confirmed the arrest of 273 suspects linked to capital offences, along with the recovery of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition. Yet, no public record exists of their prosecution.
Similarly, on January 17, 2024, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the discovery of an illegal arms factory in the state, where two suspects — Friday Aduduakambe and Lorwashima Lornyume — were arrested. Again, no legal proceedings followed.
Falana also cited a report by Governor Hyacinth Alia on April 17, 2025, confirming the arrest of three herders involved in an attack in Otobi, Otukpo Local Government Area, which left 11 persons dead. Most recently, on June 19, three suspected kidnappers were arrested in Otukpo while attempting to escape with ransom money.
“In just the past 10 days, no fewer than 43 suspects have been arrested in connection with violent crimes,” Falana said. “Yet none have been charged to court. This failure undermines public trust and emboldens criminal actors.”
He urged the Benue State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, to commence immediate prosecution of all suspects currently in custody, saying “justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.”
The senior lawyer also faulted comments attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who reportedly accused residents of Yelwata of shielding criminal elements.
Falana described the remarks as “an unacceptable attempt to shift blame onto victims” and reminded the military of its constitutional obligation to protect civilians.
Quoting Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, Falana added: “Both federal and state governments have a legal and moral duty to safeguard the lives of Nigerians. The killings in Benue cannot continue unchecked.”
He concluded by warning that the continued failure to ensure justice would only lead to further bloodshed and erosion of public confidence in the rule of law.
