Falana Blasts Courts for Releasing Security Fund Theft Suspects, Warns of Terror Risks

Falana Blasts Courts for Releasing Security Fund Theft Suspects, Warns of Terror Risks

Human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has strongly condemned the Nigerian judiciary for releasing individuals accused of stealing billions of naira allocated for arms procurement, warning that such decisions are undermining the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

Speaking to journalists in his Ilawe-Ekiti hometown on Saturday, Falana argued that courts are “not assisting” national security efforts by freeing high-profile suspects on technicalities, while soldiers on the frontlines remain poorly equipped.

“If the members of the Armed Forces are well-equipped and motivated, they can tackle terrorism and banditry effectively. But because critical security funds have been misappropriated by notorious criminal elements, the ragtag armies of criminals are gaining the upper hand. It is a shame,” Falana said.

He alleged that a network of military officers and civilian collaborators have embezzled money intended for arms and ammunition, and that judicial rulings have compounded the problem. He cited specific cases: a former service chief accused of stealing N22.8 billion was freed by a Federal High Court on grounds that he was not tried by a court-martial, despite the fact that the charge was money laundering, which falls under federal court jurisdiction. Similarly, a former governor accused of misappropriating N6.9 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser was released without the opportunity to defend himself.

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Falana stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to implement mechanisms to recover stolen security funds and redirect them to arms procurement, emphasizing that a well-equipped military could secure Nigeria without reliance on foreign intervention.

“There is no indication that the government is incompetent. Since Nigerians know where the problems lie, we have a duty to compel the government to discharge its constitutional responsibility,” he said.

On the recent U.S. airstrike in Sokoto, which targeted a terrorist base, Falana cautioned against foreign involvement that could inflame religious tensions. He noted that terrorists do not discriminate by religion and stressed that the war on terror must not divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.

He also highlighted the link between insecurity, unemployment, and social misery, warning that idle youths are more likely to engage in criminal activities.

Falana’s comments come amid rising banditry, murder, and kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria, particularly in the closing months of last year. The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, recently conducted airstrikes on Nigerian soil, citing attacks on Christians, while the Nigerian government confirmed providing intelligence support for the operations.

Falana Blasts Courts for Releasing Security Fund Theft Suspects, Warns of Terror Risks