By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has commended the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) for prosecuting terrorism suspects before courts of competent jurisdiction, describing the development as a positive step toward upholding the rule of law and constitutional due process.
In a statement on Friday, Adeyanju said the ongoing prosecution of terrorism suspects demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that individuals accused of terrorism-related offences are subjected to judicial processes rather than prolonged detention without trial.
However, he expressed concern that despite the ongoing trials, more than 20,000 terrorism suspects are still being held in various detention facilities across the country without their cases being concluded.
According to him, many of the detainees have remained in custody for over 15 years, a situation he described as inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights standards guaranteeing fair hearing and timely access to justice.
Adeyanju also called on the Federal Government to urgently review the status of all terrorism-related detainees and ensure that those awaiting trial are either promptly prosecuted or released where there is insufficient evidence to sustain charges.
The human rights lawyer further urged the authorities to shut down the detention facility at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, alleging that inmates at the facility face harsh conditions, including inadequate medical care and poor welfare.
He alleged that the detention centre has recorded repeated deaths among detainees due to starvation, inadequate healthcare and poor living conditions, and called for an independent investigation into the facility’s operations.
Adeyanju stressed that while combating terrorism remains a legitimate national security priority, it must be pursued in accordance with the Constitution, the rule of law and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
He maintained that protecting national security and respecting the fundamental rights of suspects are not mutually exclusive, urging the government to ensure that justice is administered fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay.
