FG Keeps Treating Suspected Killers In Benue State Like Sacred Cows – Femi Falana

Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has come out to blast the Federal and Benue State Governments for failing to prosecute suspects arrested in connection with ongoing violent attacks across Benue State.

He recently shared that despite several suspects getting arrested over the years for different crimes, most of them are never charged for these serious offences.

According to him, the president’s recent order to prosecute all those involved in the latest wave of violence in the state is doubtful because previous arrests in the state have not led to any form of justice for victims.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, alleging that residents of Yelwata community provided shelter for the killers was a clear attempt to shift blame onto the victims.

His words, “On December 30, 2024, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Yabanet, announced the arrest of 273 suspects involved in capital crimes, along with the recovery of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.

On January 17, 2024, Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that an illegal firearms factory had been uncovered in Benue. Two suspects—Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume—were arrested, and a cache of weapons, including nine locally made pistols and one unfinished AK-47, was seized.

On April 17, 2025, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that three herdsmen were arrested over the killing of 11 people in the Otobi community, Otukpo Local Government Area.

On June 19, 2025, Community Volunteer Guards apprehended three suspected kidnappers at the Otukpo motor park with ransom money collected from their victims.

Between January and June 2025 alone, dozens of violent crime suspects have been arrested, including 43 suspected killers in the last 10 days. Despite these arrests, no significant prosecutions have been reported.

It is undoubtedly clear that the authorities have continued to treat suspected killers in Benue State like sacred cows. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, must take immediate steps to ensure that justice is served.”

WOW.