FG, DSS deserve credit for terror suspects’ trials, but over 20,000 still detained without justice — Deji Adeyanju

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has commended the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) for prosecuting terrorism suspects before competent courts.

According to Adeyanju, the development is a positive step towards upholding constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

Adeyanju, in a statement posted on his X account on Friday, said the decision to arraign terrorism suspects reflects greater compliance with constitutional requirements and due process.

He, however, argued that the ongoing prosecutions should not overshadow the plight of thousands of other terrorism suspects who remain in prolonged detention without trial.

According to him, more than 20,000 suspects are still being held in detention facilities across the country, with some reportedly having spent over 15 years in custody without being formally charged or brought before a court.

“While the new move to charge terrorism suspects before various courts of competent jurisdiction is commendable, it must however be noted that more than 20,000 other suspects languish in various detention camps across the country. Some of these suspects have been in custody for more than 15 years in many cases, and this violates the Constitution and human rights laws,” Adeyanju said.

The activist maintained that prolonged detention without trial violates the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution as well as internationally recognised human rights standards.

Adeyanju also called on the Federal Government to shut down the detention facility at Wawa Barracks, describing it as one of the worst detention centres on the African continent.

“The notorious detention facility at Wawa Barracks in Niger State should be shut down. Terror suspects die there regularly due to starvation, poor detention facilities and lack of adequate medical care. The centre is one of the worst detention facilities on the continent,” he stated.

He urged the Federal Government to improve detention conditions nationwide and ensure that suspects are either promptly prosecuted or released in accordance with the law, insisting that respect for due process and fundamental rights remains critical in the fight against terrorism.