Falana Urges NBA to Sanction Attorneys General Over Failure to Prosecute Terror Suspects

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to sanction state Attorneys General (AGs) who have failed to prosecute suspected terrorists and bandits in their states over the past three years.

Falana made the call on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at an NBA event marking the 2025 International Human Rights Day. He said the persistent failure of some AGs to act undermines Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and fuels international concern.

“In the last three years, not less than 1,000 suspected bandits and terrorists have been arrested and paraded. Yet, not up to 10 have been prosecuted successfully,” he said.

Falana noted that AGs have been empowered since 2016 to prosecute terrorism— a federal offence—yet many have failed to initiate cases. He insisted the NBA must “call to order and sanction” those neglecting their mandate.

He also criticised illegal detention centres, citing Wawa Barracks in Niger State and Tiger Base in Imo State, and called for strict enforcement of laws requiring magistrates and chief judges to visit detention facilities monthly, grant bail where appropriate, and sanction erring security officers. He referenced Section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 70 of the Police Establishment Act as clear legal mandates for oversight.

Falana argued that improving security requires equipping and motivating personnel rather than simply recruiting more officers. He expressed concern over the federal government’s delay in releasing the N20 billion approved in May for a satellite surveillance facility, warning that terrorists currently possess superior monitoring capabilities.

“The terrorists now have better satellite facilities than the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, urging the NBA to support the procurement of modern security equipment.

Falana further reminded lawyers of their responsibility to defend citizens’ rights under Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution, which makes security and welfare the primary duty of government.

At the event, Justice O. A. Obaseki-Osagie of the National Industrial Court called for stronger protection of workers’ rights, while NiDCOM Chairman, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians to promote a positive image of the country.

NBA First Vice President, Sabastian Anyia, said the gathering aimed to spotlight pressing human rights concerns nationwide.