Falana Decries Lack of Prosecution Despite Tinubu’s Order on Benue Killings
Human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) has criticised both the Federal and Benue State Governments for their failure to prosecute individuals arrested in connection with killings and destructions of properties across Benue State.
In a statement released through the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), which he chairs, Falana expressed deep concern that despite the arrest of numerous suspects over the years—ranging from illegal arms possession to mass killings and abductions—most have not been formally charged or brought to trial.
His remarks came in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, where the President instructed the Nigeria Police Force to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the latest surge in violence.
Falana, however, dismissed the directive as largely symbolic, citing a pattern of unfulfilled promises and a lack of justice for victims.
He also criticised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for suggesting that residents of Yelwata community had harbored the perpetrators, calling the accusation an attempt to deflect blame from systemic security failures.
He described the statement as an attempt to shift blame onto victims instead of addressing the systemic failures of security and governance.
Providing a timeline of law enforcement actions, Falana stated, “On December 30, 2024, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Yabanet, announced the arrest of 273 suspects involved in capital crimes, along with the recovery of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.
“On January 17, 2024, police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that an illegal firearms factory had been uncovered in Benue. Two suspects—Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume—were arrested, and a cache of weapons, including nine locally made pistols and one unfinished AK-47, was seized.
“On April 17, 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that three herdsmen were arrested over the killing of 11 people in the Otobi community, Otukpo Local Government Area. On June 19, 2025, Community Volunteer Guards apprehended three suspected kidnappers at the Otukpo motor park with ransom money collected from their victims.”
Falana further said that between January and June 2025 alone, dozens of violent crime suspects have been arrested, including 43 suspected killers in the last 10 days.
He said despite these arrests, no significant prosecutions have been reported.
“It is undoubtedly clear that the authorities have continued to treat suspected killers in Benue State like sacred cows.
“The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, must take immediate steps to ensure that justice is served,” Falana added.
He stressed that the right to life, guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, is meaningless unless the state acts decisively to punish those who violate it.
He warned that unless concrete action is taken, the ongoing culture of impunity will only worsen the bloodshed and erode public trust in the rule of law.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2348033202396 Email: sentinelnewsng@gmail.com
