According to Nivo News, legal practitioner Ifeanyi Ejiofor has strongly criticised the Katsina State Government over its reported plan to release 70 individuals suspected to be involved in banditry, describing the move as deeply troubling and potentially dangerous.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released in Abuja, Ejiofor warned that the proposed action represents a distortion of justice, morality and national sovereignty, cautioning that it could further aggravate insecurity and embolden violent elements. He argued that releasing suspected bandits without due process sends a harmful message that the use of arms, violence and intimidation has become an acceptable means of negotiating with the state.

Ejiofor expressed concern that such a decision could worsen instability not only in Katsina State but across the wider North-West and other regions of the country. He also questioned whether the move had the consent of the Federal Government and relevant security agencies, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to a clear and constitutionally backed explanation. According to him, silence from federal authorities could be interpreted as implied endorsement of the policy.

The lawyer drew attention to what he described as a stark contrast in the handling of security-related cases across the country, noting that individuals in other regions, particularly the South-East, remain in prolonged detention without trial. He referenced the reported death of a detainee, Calista Ifedi, while in custody as evidence of what he termed a deep imbalance in Nigeria’s justice and security framework.

Ejiofor called on governors and political leaders in the South-East to urgently address the situation of detained citizens, stressing the need for accountability, fairness and adherence to due process. He maintained that suspects should be prosecuted openly in line with the law rather than released through administrative or executive arrangements.

He further cautioned that engaging armed groups from a position of weakness could erode state authority and encourage violent groups to expand their reach if such actions are left unchallenged.