Falana Slams FG, Benue Government Over Failure to Prosecute Suspects Arrested for Killings

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has accused both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government of neglecting to prosecute suspects arrested over a spate of violent crimes across Benue, including killings, kidnappings, and illegal firearms possession.

In a strongly worded statement released under the platform of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), which he chairs, Falana criticized what he described as a recurring failure of the justice system to bring perpetrators to justice, despite numerous arrests.

Falana’s reaction follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, during which the president directed the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute all individuals linked to the renewed violence in the state. However, Falana expressed skepticism over the directive, calling it “largely symbolic” given the lack of follow-through on past arrests.

“Over the years, many suspects have been arrested for crimes ranging from illegal possession of firearms to mass killings and abductions, but most have not been charged or prosecuted,” Falana stated.

Falana Lists Cases of Unresolved Arrests in Benue

The senior advocate cited multiple incidents to back his claims, pointing out that between January and June 2025, dozens of suspects had been taken into custody, yet no major prosecutions had followed.

• On December 30, 2024, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, announced the arrest of 273 suspects involved in capital crimes, along with the seizure of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.
• On January 17, 2024, Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed the discovery of an illegal firearms factory in Benue, where suspects Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume were arrested with a cache of locally made weapons.
• On April 17, 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that three herders were apprehended for the murder of 11 people in Otobi community, Otukpo LGA.
• On June 19, 2025, three suspected kidnappers were caught by Community Volunteer Guards at the Otukpo motor park while allegedly in possession of ransom money.

Despite these arrests, Falana lamented the lack of meaningful court action. “It is undoubtedly clear that the authorities have continued to treat suspected killers in Benue State like sacred cows,” he said.

Criticism of Defence Chief and Call for Immediate Action

Falana also took aim at the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for suggesting that residents of the Yelwata community were providing cover for the killers. He condemned the statement as an attempt to shift blame onto victims rather than addressing systemic lapses in security and governance.

“Statements like these are reckless and deflect attention from the real issues—the failure of government to secure lives and ensure justice,” he said.

The human rights lawyer called on Benue State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Fidelis Mnyim, to take urgent steps to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

Background of Insecurity in Benue

Benue State has witnessed frequent outbreaks of violence, including herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and armed robberies. While security agencies often report arrests, public prosecution and convictions remain rare, leading to widespread frustration among residents and stakeholders.

Falana’s comments come on the heels of mounting public concern over government inaction and lack of transparency in handling security-related prosecutions.