Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the continued failure of authorities to prosecute suspected killers in Benue State despite repeated arrests by the police and other security agencies.
In a statement on Sunday, Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), said it was “undoubtedly clear” that the suspects are being treated as “sacred cows.”
He recalled that during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, he directed the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violent attacks on innocent people in the state. However, Falana noted that despite this directive, hundreds of suspects arrested over the years have not been prosecuted by either the Federal Government or the Benue State Government.
He said many of the suspects had not been arraigned for offences such as illegal possession of firearms, culpable homicide, or wilful destruction of property.
Falana cited several examples to support his claims. He referenced a statement by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, on December 30, 2024, that 273 suspects had been arrested for capital offences and that 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
On January 17, 2024, police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed the discovery of an illegal arms factory in the state, where two suspects—Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume—were arrested and nine locally fabricated pistols, one unfinished AK-47 rifle, gas cylinders, and other weapons were recovered.
Falana also referenced a statement by Governor Hyacinth Alia on April 17, 2025, that three individuals suspected to be herdsmen were arrested in connection with the killing of 11 people in Otobi, Otukpo Local Government Area. Additionally, on June 19, three suspected kidnappers were reportedly arrested at the Otukpo motor park with ransom money.
“We have confirmed that scores of dangerous criminal suspects have been arrested. In particular, the police announced that not less than 43 suspected killers had been arrested in the past 10 days,” Falana said.
He urged the Benue State Attorney-General, Fidelis Mnyim, to ensure that all suspects are prosecuted without delay. He insisted that the government must uphold the sanctity of life and the fundamental right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution.
