Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, a lawyer and political analyst, claims that the life sentence imposed on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has revealed the unsettling reality of Nigeria’s two-tiered legal system, which punishes some citizens brutally while protecting others who commit similar or worse crimes in front of the public.
Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested, detained, tried, and found guilty, according to Omirhobo, but Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who openly associates with armed bandit groups, negotiates with terrorists, defends their actions, makes provocative public statements, and poses as their public relations officer, is still free to move around without a police invitation.
Citing Sections 17, 36, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which ensure equality before the law, equal protection for all people, and freedom from discrimination in law enforcement, he pointed out that this conflict is not just morally repugnant but unlawful.
Omirhobo stated in a statement he personally signed that, in Nigeria today, a man who regularly interacts with terrorists is praised as a “mediator,” while another individual is prosecuted for his words.
Nigerian newspapers: ten things you should know Morning on Friday “This is not rule of law,” was part of the message. Selective discretion is the basis for this regulation.
Nnamdi Kanu: charged with broadcasting offensive material
arrested via extraordinary rendition, charged, tried, and found guilty; denied regular access to justice for years.
“I witnessed my five children being killed,” a victim of the Yelwata massacre says in testimony before the US Congress. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi: Freely enters terrorist camps;
interacts with armed criminals that commit mass murders and abductions;
publicly supports them while continuously jeopardizing national security.
There are no arrests. No prosecution at all. No accountability at all.
“Direct contact, negotiation, and support for armed groups are significantly more serious offenses if broadcasts qualify as terrorism. Nigeria cannot pretend to be combating terrorism while rewarding people who openly support terrorists.
Not only must justice be carried out, but it must also be perceived as such. In this instance, it is obviously not visible.
“I demand that all Nigerians be treated equally by the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, irrespective of their political agenda, ethnicity, religion, or geographic location.
“Look into Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s open involvement with terror organizations. Put an end to the governance culture of selective prosecution. By exhibiting impartiality and fairness, the legal system can regain the public’s trust.
“A country cannot claim to be combating insecurity while shielding individuals who associate with those responsible for the country’s misery. Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction while Sheikh Gumi goes unpunished is a stark illustration of unfair treatment.
“The Nigerian government’s efforts to combat insecurity will continue to be undermined unless it shows that the law is indifferent to religion and ethnicity. Justice has to be equitable. Uniform justice is required.
Justice has to be deaf. It is unfair to do anything less.
