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Why FG Released 101 `Boko Haram’ Suspects From Kirikiri

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2022

It was an out-of-court settlement that led to the recent release of 101 `Boko Haram’ suspects who were arrested at various locations in 2009 and had been in detention since then at various correctional facilities, including the Kirikiri maximum and medium centres in Lagos.

This is contrary to recent claims especially in social media that the suspects were released in exchange for the remaining 23 abducted passengers of the Kaduna- Abuja train.

Daily Trust Saturday leant from credible sources monitoring the case that discussions for the release of the suspects started long ago when it was evident that there were no facts to prove that they were Boko Haram members, considering that most of them were arrested in the streets of various cities at the onset of the Boko Haram uprising 13 years ago.

But while fielding questions from journalists after the National Security Council (NSC) meeting in Abuja on the released suspects, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor said, “… Perhaps may be at this point, what I may need to add is the fact that Council was also briefed that 101 ex-combatants were taken to Operation Safe Corridor (in Gombe) and currently undergoing the process of de-radicalization at the centre.

“These were ex-combatants that have been in detention for several years, some of whom have served their terms. Others were those that were awaiting trial, but because of the long time that they have been involved and in line with the protocol or the procedure for handling anyone who has been exposed to terrorism or related offenses, the procedure for them to be taken through a process of de-radicalization.”

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Our correspondents report that the agreement between the applicants signed between the Attorney-General of the Federation, the respondents and the Legal Aid Council, which represented the applicants, were approved and adopted as judgements before three separate High Court judges in Lagos.

The orders for their release, according to a document made available to Daily Trust Saturday, were given on October 4 and 5 by Justices Awogboro Olawunmi, Tijjani Garba Ringim and Nicholas Oweibo.

Facts distorted

Daily Trust Saturday had in its May 22 edition reported the continuous detention of the suspects who were arrested at various times in Bauchi, Maiduguri and Kano in 2009 on suspicion of being members of Boko Haram.

This happened when police and other security agencies embarked on operations aimed at taming the uprising staged by Boko Haram members, led by Mohammed Yusuf.

Since then, the suspects had been in detention with no hope of freedom until recently.

Multiple sources said the release of the 101 suspects had nothing to do with the release of the 23 train abductees.

“There is no iota of truth in the alleged prisoner swap. The terrorists who released the last set of the train victims have nothing to do with the 101 people released from Kirikiri. Those people in Kirikiri were not Boko Haram members. There was no evidence to nail them.

“The terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train had set their members free during the invasion of Kuje prison in Abuja. Those people freed from Kirikiri have no value to the terrorists. It was just a coincidence that their release nearly coincided with the release of the train victims,” a source close to the military in Maiduguri, Borno State, said.

An official of the Legal Aid Council, which had been pursuing the case, said the detainees were arrested by the police at various places in Maiduguri, Kano and Bauchi states.

“Some of the suspects were arrested in raids by the police in their homes, business premises, mosques or highways,’’ he said.

He said a total of 164 persons were arrested in the wake of the outbreak of the disturbances by members of Boko Haram in Maiduguri in July 2009.

He also said the detainees were initially arraigned before courts in Kano, Maiduguri and Bauchi, adding that the courts granted them bail but some of them could not meet their conditions.

“They were separately detained in correctional centres in Kano, Maiduguri and Bauchi pending the time they would meet their bail conditions. However, in March 2011 they were all herded into a truck and moved to Lagos.

“We have 74 being detained in the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, while 27 are detained in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre,” he said.

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He added that after their movement to Lagos, there was an order that they should not be allowed access to their relatives, adding that many of them had lost contact with their relations.

Speaking on the case, the official said the detainees were charged with offences that carry a maximum of four years imprisonment if convicted.

“What it means is that they would have even served their terms by now if they had been convicted,’’ he added.

In an effort to ensure justice for the victims, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, The Incorporated Trustees of Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative, filed a case before a Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking their release. The case was brought against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of the Correctional Service.

In the suit, they prayed the court to declare that the arrest and continued detention of the applicants for 11 years without proper arraignment and trial in a court of competent jurisdiction was unlawful, unconstitutional and an infringement on their fundamental right to freedom of liberty, the right to be tried within reasonable time by an impartial court/tribunal and respect for the dignity of human person.

The applicants also sought for their unconditional release and perpetual injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from further interfering with their fundamental human rights in any manner.

However, in October 2021, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, dismissed the case in his judgement.

The judge said the applicants failed to show that both the Attorney- General of the Federation and the National Security Adviser had infringed on their fundamental human rights as they failed to prove that they ordered their arrest or detention.

He also ruled that the action failed, in that it should have been filed as an individual rather than a joint action by the applicants. This, he added, made the case incompetent.

The judge further ruled that a case of false imprisonment could not be redeemed under Fundamental Rights (enforcement procedure) rules, 2009. He said they could be claimed by following the common law procedure of issuing a writ of summons and filing pleadings.

However, the Legal Aid Council took up the case and sought for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights in order to fast track their release, which led to the two parties agreeing to out-of-court settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, the applicants agreed to forgo any form of prayer for compensation or institute any other action against the respondents in relations to the facts and claims in the matter, or in relation to their incarceration at Kirikiri.

Trending story fake

A top official of the Council who spoke with our correspondent denied a trending statement on the social media that their release was part of the terms of negotiations for the release of 23 Abuja-Kaduna train hostages.

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“This is balderdash. It is a tissue of lies. They were released by a court order,’’ the official who craved anonymity told Daily Trust Saturday.

He also confirmed that upon their release, the military took them to Gombe for debriefing and deradicalisation, adding, “They are now in Gombe.’’

Also reacting in an interview with Daily Trust Saturday, the secretary to the Chief of Defence Staff Committee on Negotiation for the release of Abuja-Kaduna train victims, Professor Usman Yusuf, said their release was never part of the negotiation with the abductors.

He said he was surprised that the statement being circulated was purported to have been signed by him. He said, “Whoever wrote this was a coward. No prisoner was released. No ransom was paid. This was an action by mischief makers.’’

Another source who did not want to be named said the military took the released suspects to Gombe for debriefing before they would be reunited with their families.

“These are people who lost contact with their families for over 13 years, so it will be wrong to ask them to go straight to their families. More so, many of them were thought to have been killed.

“The freed victims have lost touch with what is happening; therefore, they need to be guided properly so that they can easily reintegrate and continue with their normal lives,” he said.

Asked if they would not face challenges once released into the society, the source said, “It is very unlikely because their families are aware that they were arrested during mop up operations. They know that they are not Boko Haram members.

“I have a feeling that in the next couple of days, some members of their families would be invited to interface with their loved ones.”

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Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

Stakeholders in Ilorin Emirate have been asked to call to order the Mudirul, Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Agege, Lagos State, Sheikh Habibullahi Adam Al-Ilory, over his persistent attacks on the personality of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Sunday and obtained by Just Event Online TV , the Magaji Onikijipa Compound, Alhaji Abdulrahman Suyuti Onikijipa, on behalf of the family, said there is no distinction between the descendants of Onikijipa as they remain an indivisible entity.

The statement was titled “No Bastard among the Onikijipa: A Rejoinder to Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory”.

It clarified that the statement credited to Habibullahi Al-Ilory that the father of Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa was not a member of Onikijipa was not only false but a lie from the pit of hell.

The statement explained that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory’s unsubstantiated claim was borne out of mischief and a ploy to create a wedge among Onikijipa family, insisting that the family does not harbour a bastard.

It recalled that this was not the first time the Mudirul Markaz would try to rewrite history of Onikijipa even in explicit contradictions to his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”.

The statement noted that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory was out to discredit the good image of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, adding that he has made attacks on anyone as his own trademark.

It described as bogus the claim attributed to Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory that only Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa and maintained that both Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa, the father of the Mufty of Ilorin are brothers and one family.

“We are compelled to release this statement in view of the recent shenanigan being displayed by Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory. We would not have responded to the story he put up in his head for reasons best known to him, but for the important need to set the record straight so that in the future people will not doubt our history as one strong Onikijipa family. This is not the first time this individual has tried to rewrite history even in explicit contradictions to his father’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”. He is the only one who can help us to understand the reasons for doing that. As far as we are concerned, he is just being mischievous.

“On Friday 21st of Ramadan, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory informed his listeners that he wanted to attack the Onikijipa family. During his daily tafsir, he went astray to attack our family in his usual nonsensical manner, an attempt to create disunity among us. But for his information, we are one strong indivisible family.

“There are some points that need to be addressed.

Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory claimed that our illustrious son, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, the grand Mufty of Ilorin, is angry with Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Habibullah’s father, because the sheikh did not mention Sheikh Suleiman Faruq’s father in his book. This is not only laughable but a lie from the pit of hell. Habibullah should inform us the point at which Sheikh Suleiman said this and in what context. We believe this is just another lie to discredit the Mufty’s good image. That is Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory trade mark: he attacks everyone. He recently did the same to the people of Agbogunmati.

“As if that was not enough, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory narrated that Sheikh Suleiman’s father is not a member of Onikijipa. This is another nonsense! His theory is that any house or household in Ilorin that is situated outside the main compound is not part of the family. Such a household, according to his theory, must have been given or gifted to the land. They are not originally part of the family. One begins to wonder if Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory remembers where his own family house is situated in Ilorin. It is there for everyone to see.

“Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, in his desire to create disunity among us, claimed that Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa. If we had not heard this ourselves, we would not have believed it is coming from a man, who is expected to know better. But it is not surprising; that is his way. He attacks without a reason. He comes up with all sorts of theories just prove anything! There are instances out there. But this is our story, Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa are brothers and one family. There is no separation among us. It is even more worrisome that such a respected scholar is using “show me your father’s grave” theory as a proof of originality. Pathetic!

It is really appreciative if this man is called to order by stakeholders from Ilorin Emirate. Using his own words, he should not let people begin to “dig his own dead”. But we the Onikijipa are learned and respectful. We will not become pig”, the statement read partly.

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

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Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the charges as “false and misleading,” asserting that she maintains her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She chastised individuals disseminating false claims, accusing them of attempting to distort the truth and misinform the public.

The senator, who was suspended following a disagreement with Senate leadership, stated that she is still devoted to defending her constituents’ rights and that some people are attempting to mislead public opinion with false remarks.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications, as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

Natasha also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.

Natasha urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

Following her suspension from the Senate, some have advocated for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

The recall effort came after she was suspended from the Senate following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has subsequently taken her case to local and international media outlets, as well as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

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UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

A tragic auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway has claimed the lives of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Balogun Area of Ikire, involved a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo. Reports indicate that both vehicles collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties.

In addition to the UNIOSUN students, five other individuals also lost their lives in the horrific accident, bringing the total death toll to ten.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the crash, but emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.

A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.

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“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.

“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.

“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.