Follow Us on Google
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
A legal practitioner, Maxwell Opara, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Nigerian military from further reintegrating repentant insurgents into society.
In his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/837/2026, Opara also sought an order compelling the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to prosecute over 700 former Boko Haram members.
He argued that such prosecution should be in line with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
He further sought an order directing the Nigerian Army to suspend the Operation Safe Corridor Reintegration Programme, pending the determination of the suit.
In the originating summons filed on April 23, Opara listed the Nigerian Army, AGF, and the President as respondents.
He asked the court to determine whether reintegrating ex-insurgents without prosecution or conviction violates the constitution and existing laws.
Other News
He also sought a declaration that such reintegration is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Opara argued that the army and AGF lacked the authority to grant de facto amnesty to individuals involved in terrorism and other crimes without legislative backing.
In an affidavit, he stated that over 700 former insurgents had been released without trial.
“I know that many of them are reasonably suspected of serious crimes,” he said.
He warned that failure to prosecute offenders undermines public confidence in the justice system and poses risks to public safety.
Opara urged the court to intervene in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law.
