“We are really not happy that the prosecution is going on at a very slow pace. There are lots of theses captured insurgents in Maiduguri. I can’t give you the exact number but I believe they should be over 500 of them awaiting trial.”
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By Sam Kayode
Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Borno State chapter, Modu Greema, has expressed worries over the 500 captured insurgents awaiting trial in the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.
He told metrowatchonline.com newspaper that it was the duty of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to prosecute the terror offenders speedily adding that if there was any semblance of foot dragging, it was purely from Abuja and not from the north east war theatre.
The NBA chair noted that it was not good enough keeping these insurgents without trial because the longer they stayed under lock down the more they become endangered species to themselves and the generality of their relatives.
“I am aware that they must have started the trial processes in Abuja to prosecute them but unfortunately, it’s been going on at a very slow pace. Which is why they are yet to get to Maiduguri.
“We are really not happy that the prosecution is going on at a very slow pace. There are lots of theses captured insurgents in Maiduguri. I can’t give you the exact number but I believe they should be over 500 of them awaiting trial.
“We have been hoping that the courts will come down to Maiduguri to prosecute them but our wait has been endless. Still hoping that one day Abuja will realize that justice delayed is justice denied.
Meanwhile, following the release of 23 train passengers recently, it is believed that those captured insurgents awaiting trial in Kirikiri correctional centre have been granted amnesty.
Although no evidence of the event can be adduced on this from Intel sources, some tabloids published details of the alleged release.
Asked if he was aware of the development coming on the heels of the escape of those kept in Kuje correctional facility in Abuja, the NBA chair said he wasn’t.
Details flying around the mills and published by a tabloid noted that at “exactly 6am of the 8th of October 2022, about 101 Boko Haram terrorists held in Kirikiri prison since 2009 were set free. In what the correctional officials called Amnesty from the government.
“Investigation revealed that It was actually a prisoner swap demanded by Boko Haram, in exchange for the remaining 23 Kaduna train passengers kidnapped by the group on the 28th of March 2022.
“About 104 Boko Haram terrorists were arrested by the Yar’Adua/Jonathan govt in 2009, and transferred to Lagos.
“Out of the 104 sent to Kirikiri prison, 3 died in jail, leaving 101 that were set free today.
” They were held up in both Kirikiri maximum and medium prisons. But they have never been to court in Lagos since 2009 till date. Never been prosecuted.
“On the 29th of Sep 2022, 30th September, 3rd of Oct, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Lagos Command, Controller B.R Freeman, met with about 40 of those Boko Haram terrorists, locked up in Kirikiri medium prison.
“Where he told them that they should get ready to go. That the Federal Government has granted them Amnesty, because of the upcoming 2023 election.
“That they should wait for further directives. After the last meeting on the 3rd of October 2022, the remaining 23 Kaduna train passengers, kidnapped by Boko Haram were released on the 5th of October 2022, by the sect, to keep to their own terms of agreement.
“Controller Freeman came again to the prison on the 6th of Oct 2022, and on the 7th of Oct, to finalise arrangements with the terrorists.
“They packed up their belongings, prepared themselves and waited. At about 6am of 8th October, the cells were open, and they were all set fee”, said the publication.
