Adeyanju hails terror trials, demands justice for detainees

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has commended the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) for commencing the prosecution of terrorism suspects before courts across the country, describing the development as a positive step toward upholding the rule of law.

In a statement signed by him on Friday, Adeyanju said the decision to arraign terror suspects before courts of competent jurisdiction reflects compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and strengthens confidence in the country’s justice system.

The activist, however, warned that the ongoing prosecutions represent only a fraction of the challenge, alleging that more than 20,000 terrorism suspects remain in detention facilities across Nigeria without trial.

According to him, many of the detainees have been held for over 15 years without being charged, a situation he described as a gross violation of their constitutional rights and internationally recognised human rights standards.

Adeyanju urged the Federal Government to accelerate the prosecution of all remaining detainees or release those against whom there is no credible evidence, insisting that justice must not be delayed indefinitely.

He also called for the immediate closure of the detention facility at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, alleging that the camp has become notorious for inhumane conditions.

The lawyer claimed that detainees at the facility regularly die from starvation, inadequate medical care and poor detention conditions, describing the camp as one of the worst detention facilities on the African continent.

Adeyanju urged the authorities to urgently investigate conditions at the facility, improve the welfare of detainees, and ensure that all detention centres operate in line with the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

He maintained that while prosecuting terrorism suspects is necessary for national security, the fight against terrorism must be conducted within the confines of the law, with respect for due process and the fundamental rights of every suspect until proven guilty by a competent court.