High-profile murder cases must not be buried — Analyst backs Falana

A public affairs commentator, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Seriki, has backed human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, over his call for thorough prosecution of high-profile murder and homicide cases allegedly linked to politically exposed persons in Nigeria.

Seriki, in a statement issued on Monday, said the country’s human rights image would improve both locally and internationally if authorities ensure that politically sensitive murder cases are not swept under the carpet.

According to him, murder and homicide cases are criminal offences that must be treated with seriousness, regardless of the status of those involved.

Falana, speaking on behalf of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 & Beyond, had alleged that murder cases involving members of the political elite are often deliberately weakened to secure acquittals.

“In Nigeria, murder cases traceable to members of the ruling class and other highly connected persons are usually covered up. In many instances, prosecutions are deliberately bungled by public prosecutors to pave way for the dubious acquittal of the murderers,” Falana stated.

The senior lawyer highlighted five controversial homicide-related cases and urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and state attorneys-general to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution.

Among the cases referenced was the April 5, 2018 Offa bank robbery attack in Offa, where 33 persons, including nine police officers, were killed during coordinated attacks on banks and a police station.

Although five suspects were convicted and sentenced to death by the Kwara State High Court in September 2024 — a judgment later upheld by the Court of Appeal — Falana said fresh legal controversies had emerged.

He referenced a N2.1 billion civil suit filed by families of victims against the Kwara State Government, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and others over alleged political sponsorship of the attack.

Falana also cited a fresh 2026 criminal charge reportedly filed by the state government against Saraki, Ahmed and others for conspiracy and culpable homicide, urging all parties to allow due process without political interference.

“All parties should sheath their swords and allow the law to take its course,” he said.

The case, marked KWS/114C/26, reportedly alleges that Saraki, Ahmed and others provided support and weapons to suspects convicted over the robbery attack.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had accused Saraki of hypocrisy on insecurity issues, insisting that those convicted were loyalists of the previous administration.

However, Saraki denied any involvement in the robbery incident, describing attempts to link him to the crime as politically motivated.

“I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” Saraki said in a recent statement.

Falana also called for a fresh investigation into the disappearance of government critic and university lecturer, Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, who was abducted from his Kaduna residence in August 2019.

He referenced recent allegations and counter-allegations involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje over the incident.

“The authorities of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service should, as a matter of urgency, investigate the highly placed politicians and police officers involved,” Falana stated.

He described Dadiyata as “a patriot” who was allegedly targeted for criticising corruption and poor governance.