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.
By Mike Odiakose Abuja
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and a socio-political organisation, The Collective Movement (TCM), have strongly condemned the recent revelation that President Bola Tinubu has started distributing vehicles to state coordinators of a political structure otherwise known as Renewed Hope Ambassadors, apparently as part of an early push for the 2027 elections.
In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi said at a time when Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment and insecurity, the decision of the government to allocate limited public resources for distribution of luxury vehicles like Hilux trucks and Hummer buses as part of the 2027 campaign mobilisation is not only insensitive but also represents a serious moral failure.
The former Anambra State governor said while ordinary Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hopelessness, those in leadership positions continue to flaunt their wealth by driving brand-new luxury vehicles, treating the suffering of the people as mere background for political theatrics.
According to him, leadership should focus on providing food for the hungry, ensuring access to healthcare for the sick, restoring hope for millions of unemployed youth, and securing the communities.
He stressed that it should not be about parading luxury vehicles or campaigning for votes.
“It is disheartening that, at a time when children are dropping out of school because their families cannot afford tuition fees, when mothers are dying during childbirth due to a lack of basic medical supplies, and when insecurity is tearing families apart, the response from those in power is to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles rather than urgently addressing the needs of the people.
“This is not governance. It reflects a profound insensitivity and an abuse of public trust disguised as a political strategy. It betrays the essence of public service, which should always be about serving the people rather than staging political publicity.
“At times like this, we must recognise that Nigeria cannot continue on a path of wastefulness, insensitivity, and misplaced priorities.
“Our citizens deserve leadership grounded in empathy, prudence, and accountability. Regardless of how bleak the situation may appear today, I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is not only necessary,” Obi wrote.
In his own reaction, TCM’s founder, High Chief Franklin Ekechukwu, in a press release on Thursday, described the move as nothing short of a scandalous betrayal of public trust.
The vehicles range from brand-new Toyota Hilux trucks, Hummer buses, and Land Cruiser jeeps.
Each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory reportedly received these luxury vehicles; coordinators were simultaneously instructed to raise one billion naira each for campaign logistics. This raises urgent questions: From which coffers is this extravagance being funded? And at what cost to millions of suffering Nigerians?
He noted that the timing of this lavish distribution is not only tone-deaf but deeply disturbing. While terrorists roam freely, kidnappings escalate, communities are displaced, and Nigerians live in daily fear, the administration appears more focused on assembling campaign convoys than implementing urgent security reforms.
According to him, it is morally repugnant to prioritise political power over the lives and safety of citizens. The decision reeks of contempt for ordinary Nigerians, those whose children are abducted, whose homes are attacked, whose futures remain uncertain.
Ekechukwu added, “In 2025, what Nigeria desperately needs is a government that prioritises human lives. We need well-funded security architecture, community policing, strengthened intelligence systems, and reforms that protect lives and restore public confidence.
By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday swore in former Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, just as he transmitted an additional list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening.
Musa took the oath of office at the State House in Abuja.
His appointment follows the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on health grounds, prompting the President to forward Musa’s nomination to the Senate earlier in the week.During his screening on Wednesday, the former CDS assured lawmakers that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping—provided there is unified national cooperation and adequate deployment of troops and technology.
He stressed that state governors and high-level political leaders must work more closely with the Armed Forces to close operational gaps.“We can win this war, but we have to work together,” he told senators, adding that he would review all existing security strategies and investigate alleged lapses, including reports of troop withdrawal from a Kebbi school shortly before terrorists abducted 24 schoolgirls two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has submitted more names to the list of ambassadorial nominees, expanding the pool of non-career diplomats awaiting confirmation. Among the new nominees are former Naval Chief Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former Senator Ita Enang; former Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim; and former Minister of Interior and ex–Army Chief Abdulrahman Dambazau.
Their names were read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary and subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening within one week. This follows an earlier batch of nominees including Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode and immediate past INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to ensure that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions are promptly staffed and fully functional.
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By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Wednesday, accused the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the country, of crippling the nation’s electricity supply system.
The House Ad hoc Committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024, said that the DisCos wallowed in years of poor investment, inadequate expansion, and failure to meet obligations outlined in their original business plans.
Speaking during an investigative hearing, Chairman of the committee, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, said most distribution companies had misled the government at the point of acquisition, presenting impressive business plans but failing to deploy the required resources to upgrade substations, transformers, and distribution networks more than a decade after privatization.
He expressed shock that despite claims by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) that it can wheel up to 8,000 megawatts, the DisCos continue to take only about 4,000 megawatts due to limited infrastructure, a problem he said is self-inflicted.
According to him, the power distribution firms have “refused to invest, refused to expand, and refused franchising options,” thereby creating the conditions for energy theft, meter bypassing, and consumer apathy across the country.
“You have caused this problem because you could not expand from what you inherited,” he said. “For 13 to 14 years now, if you had made the necessary investments, substations, up-to-date transformers, proper network expansion, there would be no issue. You would uptake more energy, the cost would be lower, and Nigerians would be happy.”
He noted that many consumers resort to illegal connections because they are billed monthly for electricity that is either not supplied or grossly inadequate.
“How do you expect someone whose monthly bill equals his salary to keep paying? People will look for alternatives. And your refusal to invest has contributed to this unholy attitude of bypassing and stealing energy,” he said.
The committee chairman reminded the DisCos that Nigerians enjoyed better supply under the defunct NEPA/NITEL-era systems in some areas, and expected significant improvements after private investors took over the assets.
He further challenged the DisCos to reconcile their earlier claims of competence and financial capacity with their current inability to meet tariff obligations, network expansion expectations, and service delivery benchmarks.
Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer of Kaduna Electric, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar said about 60 percent of electricity supplied nationwide is subsidised, a situation the company said has continued to weaken investor confidence and limit the ability of distribution companies (DisCos) to make the necessary capital investments.
He said during the hearing that only about 40 percent of electricity, largely consumed by Band A customers, is cost-reflective, while the rest depends heavily on government subsidies that are often delayed or unpaid.
According to him, the current subsidy structure distorts billing, revenue collection, and the ability of DisCos to expand infrastructure more than a decade after privatisation.
“If we go strictly by the multi-year tariff order, about 60 percent of the energy consumed in Nigeria is subsidised by the government. Only Band A pays the reflective tariff. Even then, we have Band A feeders recording up to 80 percent energy losses due to theft and bypasses, making full recovery impossible,” he said.
Abubakar explained that because DisCos cannot recover their full revenue requirement, they cannot secure investments or loans needed to upgrade their networks.
He added that the delay in the payment of subsidies affects the entire value chain, particularly affecting generation companies’ ability to pay for gas, thereby affecting power production.
“The subsidy is not forthcoming as and when due. It comes whenever the government decides to pay. That is the reality, and it affects everyone. We cannot pay our market invoices fully, the Gencos cannot fulfil firm contracts with gas suppliers, and the whole chain is weakened,” he said.
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