Yemisi Izuora
Amnesty International Nigeria has commended the Federal Government
over the trial of suspected Boko Haram terrorists, describing the
ongoing trial as ”good progress for the justice sector”.
The commendation was contained in a letter addressed to the Honourable
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr.
Abubakar Malami (SAN), by Osai Ojigho, Country Director, Amnesty
International Nigeria, a copy of which was made available to the
office of the Minister of Information and Culture.
Amnesty International Nigeria said its delegates, who were invited to
observe the proceedings at the third phase of the trial at Wawa
Military Cantonment, Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State, 8-11 July, 2018,
”were treated with respect and decorum”.
”Amnesty International has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned the
attacks by members of Boko Haram. We have repeatedly urged the
Nigerian government to conduct thorough and independent investigations
into the alleged human rights violations and abuses, with a view to
bringing suspected perpetrators to justice in a fair trial without
recourse to the death penalty and this indeed is a good progress for
the justice sector,” the global rights campaigner said.
Amnesty International Nigeria expressed the hope that it will also be
invited to observe future trials.
Commenting on the letter, Mr. Malami said it was a ”clear
demonstration of the strategic role of the Federal Ministry of Justice
and its commitment in adjudicating terrorism cases, implementing the
Criminal Justice Act, and promoting the rule of law and human rights”.