Northern Groups, Legal Experts Fault Planned Terrorist Amnesty
By MAHMOOD MALIK MUSA (M. M. M.) IBRAHIM
Amnesty Proposal Sparks Sharp Divisions in Northern Nigeria
THE proposal by the Federal Government to allow state governors to grant amnesty to terrorists operating in Northern Nigeria has triggered intense debate among political leaders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups across the region.
The controversy gained momentum following comments by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), which suggested that governors possess constitutional powers to grant pardons to offenders prosecuted under state laws. The clarification came amid plans by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, to grant amnesty to about 70 terrorists as part of efforts to curb insecurity in the state.
AGF Clarifies Governors’ Powers
In a statement issued by AGF spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Federal Government maintained that state governors could lawfully grant pardons, provided the offenders were prosecuted under state legislation.
“Governors have constitutional powers to grant pardon, if the terrorists were prosecuted by their respective states,” Ogundele said.
However, the statement has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from senior legal experts who argue that terrorism is not within the jurisdiction of state governments.
Legal Experts Raise Constitutional Concerns
Prominent lawyers have faulted the amnesty proposal, insisting that terrorism-related offences are governed by federal law. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, argued that governors lack the authority to pardon individuals convicted or accused under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to Edun, terrorism is a federal offence, and any attempt by state governments to grant amnesty would amount to a constitutional overreach.
Other legal analysts echoed similar concerns, warning that such a move could undermine the rule of law and weaken Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework.
Northern Groups Reject Amnesty Plan
Several influential regional organisations have also rejected the proposal. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the amnesty plan as premature, cautioning that terrorism remains a major threat across the North.
ACF spokesperson, Professor Muhammad Tukur Baba, said amnesty could only be meaningful after the state had achieved a decisive victory over terrorist groups.
Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Middle Belt Forum opposed the initiative, arguing that granting amnesty could legitimise violent criminality and deny justice to victims of terrorism.
Religious Leaders Offer Limited Support
While a few religious leaders have called for dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration as part of a broader peace strategy, the dominant view across the region remains that accountability and prosecution should take precedence over pardon.
As debate continues, the amnesty proposal has exposed deep divisions over how best to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
