Kanu jailed, Gumi untouched, case study in selective justice – Omirhobo

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo has condemned what he described as deepening injustice in Nigeria following the life sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement entitled “Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction vs. Sheikh Gumi’s Freedom: A Clear Case of Selective Justice and Unequal Application of the Law,” Chief Malcolm Omirhobo accused the government of running a discriminatory justice system.

He argued that while Kanu had been arrested, detained, tried, and convicted for incendiary broadcasts, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi – who frequently enters bandits’ enclaves, negotiates with armed groups, and publicly defends them – remains free and untouched by law enforcement agents.

“If broadcasts amount to terrorism, then direct contact, negotiation, and advocacy for armed groups constitute far more grievous offences,” Omirhobo stated.

He said the disparity violates sections 17, 36, and 42 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and freedom from discriminatory enforcement.

“This is not rule of law; this is rule by selective discretion,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, DSS, and the police to investigate Gumi, end selective prosecution, and restore public confidence in the justice system.

“A nation cannot claim to be fighting insecurity while protecting those who fraternise with the authors of national sorrow,” he said.

“Until the state proves that the law is blind to religion and ethnicity, justice in Nigeria will remain compromised.”