Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has lampooned the Federal and Benue State Governments for delay in prosecuting arrested suspects in connection killings across the state.
This was stated in a release issued under the banner of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), which Falana chairs.
He noted that despite the arrest of numerous suspects over the years for offenses such as illegal possession of firearms, mass killings, and kidnapping, the majority are never formally charged or prosecuted.
Falana’s reaction follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, where the president directed the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute all those responsible for the latest surge of violence in the region.
However, the prominent human rights lawyer described the president’s directive as likely symbolic, pointing out that in the past, similar arrests had failed to result in convictions or justice for the victims.
He also criticized the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for alleging that residents of Yelwata community were harboring the perpetrators of the killings.
Falana further noted that “On January 17, 2024, Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed the discovery of an illegal firearms factory in Benue State. Two suspects—Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume—were arrested, and a cache of weapons, including nine locally made pistols and an unfinished AK-47 rifle, was recovered.”
On April 17, 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the arrest of three herdsmen in connection with the killing of 11 people in Otobi community, located in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Falana also pointed out that on June 19, 2025, the Community Volunteer Guards apprehended three suspected kidnappers at the Otukpo motor park, found in possession of ransom money allegedly collected from their victims.
The human rights lawyer further noted that between January and June 2025, dozens of suspects involved in violent crimes have been arrested—including 43 suspected killers within just the last 10 days. He lamented, however, that despite these numerous arrests, there have been no significant prosecutions to date.
Falana asserted that it is undeniably clear the authorities have continued to treat suspected killers in Benue State as untouchable, likening them to sacred cows.
He urged that “The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, must take immediate action to ensure that justice is delivered.”
