POLITICS
Terrorism Fight: Prosecution, Investigation Prove Difficult – Magaji SAN
By Leo Zwanke
Terrorism remains one of the most daunting challenges confronting Nigeria, with its tentacles spreading across borders and leaving behind trails of destruction that undermine lives, property, and national cohesion.
Over the years, successive administrations have deployed a mix of legislation, military operations, and intelligence strategies in the bid to combat insurgency.Yet, the persistent dilemma has been how to strike a balance between these counterterrorism measures and the protection of fundamental human rights, a debate that continues to resonate both nationally and globally.
It was against this backdrop that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Labaran Magaji, presented his latest book, “Enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Laws and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria,” in Abuja.
More than a literary unveiling, the event at Rainbow Event Centre became a convergence point for Nigeria’s intellectuals, policymakers, political leaders, and community figures, who gathered to reflect, commend, and deliberate on how the nation can confront terrorism without compromising justice and constitutional freedoms.
The gathering was filled with reflections, praises, and candid commentary on how Nigeria should proceed in confronting terrorism without sacrificing justice and rights.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Labaran Magaji emphasised on the delicate balance required in fighting terrorism without undermining constitutional rights. According to him:“The fight against terrorism must not be waged at the expense of the fundamental rights of Nigerians. While national security is non-negotiable, the protection of human rights remains the cornerstone of democratic governance. It is possible, and indeed necessary, to reconcile these two seemingly conflicting objectives.”
The Senior Advocate recounted his experiences investigating Boko Haram cases in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, where innocent civilians were sometimes misclassified as terrorists by questionable security methods.
He narrated how in Yobe, entire communities were subjected to crude profiling using an armoured personnel carrier nicknamed(APC)“the computer.” Anybody could fall a victim,” Magaji said. “Thousands of people were detained without any offense linking them to terrorism. That was a motivation for me to go into this research. I wanted to find a balance where suspected terrorists could be fairly tried without denying them their constitutional rights.”
He added that even those caught in the act of terror must be subjected to due process:“Assuming, without conceding, somebody came here with an improvised explosive device wanting to detonate it, our natural instinct would be to beat him to death. But the law requires that even at that, he is still a suspect. That is the weight of the Constitution. That is why this book is not to undermine any institution, but to provide solutions and knowledge that strengthen our fight against terror.”
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Abubakar Malami SAN, hailed the work as both timely and courageous.“During my tenure, one of the toughest balancing acts was ensuring that our anti-terrorism measures complied with constitutional guarantees and international human rights commitments.
Dr. Magaji’s book provides a scholarly framework grounded in both law and practical realities. It is a resource that policymakers and legal practitioners must not ignore.”
Malami stressed that law enforcement strategies must go hand-in-hand with legitimacy:“The fight against terror cannot be won by arms and laws alone. It must be won by building trust in government institutions.”
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, linked the subject of terrorism to development challenges.“Terrorism thrives where poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment are prevalent. As leaders, we must understand that the best form of counterterrorism is to build an inclusive society where citizens feel a sense of belonging.
“I commend Dr. Magaji for this intellectual contribution, because governance must be rooted in knowledge.”
Sule also noted that Nasarawa State was proud of Magaji’s elevation to SAN, describing him as “a son of the soil who represents the state’s growing contribution to national development.”
Justice Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, highlighted the judiciary’s pivotal role:“The courts remain the last hope of the common man, and in terrorism cases, the weight on the judiciary is enormous. Judges must interpret anti-terrorism laws in ways that protect the state without eroding freedoms. Dr. Magaji’s work is a vital tool for both the bench and the bar.”
Philanthropist and political stakeholder, Dr. Muhammad Maikaya, praised Magaji’s work for bridging academia and policy.“This is not just an academic text, it is a practical guide for policymakers. Magaji has demonstrated that security and rights are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. We cannot win the fight against terror without winning the confidence of the people.”
The Accountant General of Nasarawa state Dr. Ahmed Musa Muhammad emphasized that the book echoes long-standing advocacy points.“ you cannot bomb terrorism out of existence. You must address the causes and respect human rights. Dr. Magaji’s book is a ‘call to conscience’ for the state. It should be on the desks of lawmakers, security chiefs, and judicial officers.”
Political analysts at the event also weighed in on the larger implications while Barr. Samuel Ogah, a constitutional lawyer and political commentator, said the book could redefine Nigeria’s security debate.“For years, politicians have exploited insecurity either to score points or to justify draconian policies. What Dr. Magaji has done is to strip the issue bare, showing that the fight against terror must not turn the state itself into a violator of rights.”
Hon. Musa Ibrahim, an APC chieftain from Toto Local Government, described Magaji’s elevation to SAN as a political asset for Nasarawa.“He is not just a lawyer; he is a voice of reason. Nasarawa needs intellectuals like him who can influence national policies from an informed perspective.”
Mrs. Grace Auta, a PDP women leader in Nasarawa, added:“We may belong to different parties, but on security, we must unite. Magaji’s book provides us with knowledge to press for reforms in how terrorism is handled.”
Observers from civil society, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), also expressed interest in collaborating with Magaji to mainstream rights-based approaches in counterterrorism policy.
Legal scholar Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George SAN, who reviewed the book, described it as “a masterpiece that combines doctrinal analysis with field experience.”“This book demonstrates that Nigeria can lead Africa in showing how to fight terror lawfully. It should be adopted by universities, law schools, and training academies for security forces.”
By the close of the Abuja event, one consensus had emerged: Dr. Labaran Magaji’s elevation to SAN and his new book are not just personal achievements, but milestones for Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
As one political pundit put it:“Nigeria needs more SANs like Magaji — not only Senior Advocates of Nigeria, but Senior Advocates of Nationhood.”
The launch of “Enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Laws and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria” was therefore more than a ceremonial event; it was an invitation to reflect, debate, and chart a sustainable path forward.
As Dr. Magaji aptly noted: “The true measure of our success against terrorism is not only in the number of battles won, but in how faithfully we preserve the values of humanity while confronting terror.
” The Abuja gathering was ultimately about more than a book—it was about Nigeria’s soul, and the critical question of whether the nation can defeat terror without becoming a terror to its own people.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has commended the quality, experience and capacity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting the 2027 elections in the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
Jonathan made the remarks at his residence in Yenagoa when he received a high-powered delegation led by the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.
), the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku and the Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Rt. Hon. Warman Weri Ogoriba, PhD.The delegation visited the former President to formally present the APC candidates to him as a mark of respect and honour, particularly as a former President of Nigeria and a prominent leader from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
Presenting the candidates, Rear Admiral Jonah appealed to Jonathan to extend his goodwill and support to them, describing the candidates as individuals with the requisite capacity, experience and character to provide effective representation if elected.
He expressed confidence that they would serve the interests of their constituents and contribute meaningfully to the development of the district and the state.
The candidates presented included HRH. Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli for the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, PhD, for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency and Barr. Jude Amidator Rex-Ogbuku for the Ogbia Federal Constituency.
Also presented were the APC candidates for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including Hon. Oteigbanyo George Braah for Nembe Constituency 1, Hon. Edward Brigidi Irigha for Nembe Constituency 2, Hon. Alalibo West for Nembe Constituency 3, Hon. Daniel Charles for Brass Constituency 1, Hon. Timi Agala for Brass Constituency 2 and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere for Brass Constituency 3.
Others were Hon. High Chief Ebiango Okoba Egain for Ogbia Constituency 1, Hon. Godknows Obein for Ogbia Constituency 2 and Hon. Chief Gabriel Michael Ogbara for Ogbia Constituency 3.
Responding to the presentation, Jonathan expressed his appreciation for the quality of the candidates, noting that virtually all of them were people who, in his assessment, could be trusted in terms of capacity, performance and experience.
He gave the candidates his blessings and encouraged them to remain committed to serving their people if elected to office.
The former President urged the candidates to see politics as a means of improving society and attracting positive development to their respective constituencies.
He also admonished them and other stakeholders to sustain peace, unity and oneness in Bayelsa State, which he said remained important to the state’s continued development.
The visit brought together APC leaders, candidates, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from across the Brass, Nembe, and Ogbia Local Government Areas as part of ongoing consultations and engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated two political support groups in Okpe Local Government Area to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups, Concern Otirhue Movement for Sheriff and Tinubu, and Otirhue Progressive Movement for Sheriff and Tinubu, were inaugurated at a ceremony held in Mereje, Okpe LGA.
The groups were founded by the Chairman of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon.
Joseph Otirhue.Speaking at the event, Otirhue said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and mobilising support for Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
He said the groups would mobilise voters for APC candidates contesting seats in the State and National Assemblies, with the ultimate objective of securing victory for the party at all levels.
Otirhue urged members to remain loyal and committed to the APC, while intensifying their engagement with residents and communities across Okpe.
Inaugurating the groups, the Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, charged members to work diligently for the success of the party.
Arenyeka urged them to pursue the APC’s “five-over-five” objective by mobilising support for all the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
He also tasked the groups with taking the party’s message to the grassroots and maintaining active structures across the various communities in the local government area.
Other party leaders at the event called for unity and sustained grassroots mobilisation, stressing that continuous engagement with voters would be crucial to the APC’s performance in the 2027 elections.
The event also featured the empowerment of more than 250 beneficiaries by Otirhue, which he described as the fifth phase of his empowerment programme.
According to him, the programme was designed to provide support to party members and other beneficiaries, adding that those who were not included in the latest phase would be considered in subsequent editions.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were former Minister of Culture and Information, Okakuro Prof. Sam Oyovbaire; Chief Robert Onome; member representing Okpe State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Okakuro James Augoye; and Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Okakuro Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa.
Others included former Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha; Austin Ayemidejor; APC State Secretary, Okakuro Efe Uko; Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief Rose Amioku; APC State Organising Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor; as well as other party leaders and stakeholders.
The inauguration marked another step in the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts in Okpe, with members of the two groups pledging to strengthen their structures and mobilise support for Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has declared that his administration’s rescue mission is transforming the State across critical sectors.
He began a series of events and project commissioning to mark Zamfara State’s 30th Anniversary, noting that the commissionings were attended by the Pioneer Military Administrator of Zamfara State, Col.
Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, and other dignitaries.The Governor said that Zamfara State has moved from despair to an era of clear execution, transparency, and sustainable development.
He said, “Since Zamfara State was created on October 1, 1996, “Alhamdulillah for Allah’s grace, mercy, and protection that have guided us through trials and triumphs, uniting us in a shared destiny”
“As we watched our gallant security forces, paramilitary agencies, vibrant students and youth march in unity on the parade ground, we were reminded of the resilience that defines the Nigerian spirit and, most specifically, the strength of character of our people”
“We must reflect intentionally on the profound sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought tirelessly to break the chains of colonial rule and give birth to a free, sovereign nation. We owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for protecting this country’s unity, peace, and territorial integrity”
“As we look forward to the next decade, we must understand that true independence demands collective responsibility. Government alone can’t do this. I call on traditional rulers, religious scholars, civil servants, traders, and our resilient youth to unite. We must set aside divisions—ethnic, political, sectarian—and protect the peace we fought for.”
Governor Lawal commissioned phase III of the renovated and modernised J.B. Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau as part of his effort to rebuild government institutions and create a modern, efficient, technology-enabled, results-oriented Public Service for Zamfara State.
The J.B. Yakubu Secretariat houses critical Ministries, Departments, and Agencies whose responsibilities span virtually every aspect of governance and service delivery.
The Governor said modernising the Secretariat will deepen coordination among MDAs, strengthen communication, promote institutional synergy, and support faster, more effective implementation of government decisions.
“The occasion is significant as we welcome His Excellency, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, after whom this Secretariat is named. As Zamfara marks thirty years since its creation, it’s fitting that a leader from our foundation is here to witness this milestone”
The pioneer Military Administrator of Zamfara State, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), lauded Governor Lawal’s giant strides, particularly in infrastructure, education, and health.
On the same day, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, commissioned the reconstructed and remodelled Jumu’at Mosque (Yardole) and its attached shopping complex.
The mosque, named after Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, a renowned Islamic scholar and companion of the great (MUJADDADI) and leader of the 1st Sokoto Jihad, Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodiyo, will also serve as an Islamic and research learning centre.
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