Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coalition of civil society organisations, regional leaders, legal practitioners, and state governors has revived calls for the establishment of special courts dedicated exclusively to the speedy trial of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, warning that Nigeria's regular judicial system is overwhelmed and incapable of delivering the swift justice needed to deter criminal networks terrorising communities across the country.
The Foundation for Ethical Society and Cultural Awareness (FESCA) has called on the Federal Government to establish special courts to fast‑track the prosecution of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism cases as part of measures to tackle the country's insecurity. The foundation also advocated stiffer penalties for convicted kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and their collaborators, including the death penalty where permitted by law. In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH on Friday by one of its members, Nosa Osaikhuiwu, the group said the growing threat posed by violent crimes requires urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property and restore public confidence in the country's security architecture. FESCA further proposed the establishment of a one million‑man civilian intelligence network funded through a dedicated security levy on taxable individuals and corporate organisations, with members serving as community‑based intelligence gatherers.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has also called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a comprehensive national security emergency, warning that worsening insecurity across the country has reached alarming levels. In a statement signed by leaders including Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta‑Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF), the group said Nigeria's leadership appeared increasingly distracted by politics ahead of the 2027 elections despite the security crisis. SMBLF also called for the establishment of special courts to ensure speedy trial of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry cases, arguing that swift justice was necessary to deter criminal activities. The forum further urged anti‑corruption agencies to investigate alleged claims of an N800 billion campaign fund linked to preparations for the 2027 elections.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in Ogun State has also expressed concern over rising cases of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, calling for the establishment of a special court to speed up the prosecution of offenders. In a separate development, a former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, Ayoola Lawal, has called for the creation of Special National Security Courts to help fast‑track matters on terrorism, kidnapping, rituals, and human organ harvesting. Lawal noted that the normal courts alone would be overwhelmed by the number of security breach cases hitting Nigerian courts daily and therefore needed specialised courts to stop litigation delays. He proposed clear statutory timelines, including filing of charges within 30 days after the conclusion of investigations, commencement of trial within 30 days of arraignment, completion of trial within 180 days, and delivery of judgment within 30 days of final submissions.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama branch in Bayelsa State, has declared support for the establishment of special courts to ensure speedy prosecution of kidnapping and banditry cases across the country. Its Chairman, Barr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, described the proposal by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo as a step in the right direction but warned that success would depend on adequate funding and political commitment. "The proposed idea for the advocate of special courts for the quick prosecution of cases involving kidnapping and banditry is a good development, just like electoral matters are handled. The courts should be replicated in all the states of the federation," Sampson said. However, he cautioned that creating special courts alone would not solve the country's security challenges. "The problem is not just creating the courts. Are the politicians ready to fund those courts? Are they ready to employ more judges? Infrastructure must also be provided," he added.
Governor Okpebholo of Edo State has taken concrete steps by writing to the Chief Judge of Edo State requesting the establishment of a Special Court to handle cases involving cultism and kidnapping. The governor recommended the appointment of three judges to serve on the special panel. The move came a day after Okpebholo issued a strong warning to criminals, stating that he was ready to sign the death warrant of any person convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. "It is cheaper for you to maintain your standard than to go into kidnapping and cultism because when you kidnap what you have before, you will lose it and you will lose your life," Okpebholo warned. Senator Ikpea has also backed Okpebholo's move to set up a special court for speedy trial of kidnappers.
The Coalition of Nigerian Youths On Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has also urged the Federal Government to create a special court for the prosecution of bandits, kidnappers and violent extremists to address worsening insecurity in the country. The call for special courts has been echoed by respected Nigerians, including Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, Pat Utomi, Chidi Odinkalu, Colonel Lam Sambo (retd), and Afe Babalola, who have repeatedly expressed concerns over the growing insecurity confronting the nation.
The renewed push for special courts comes amid a deepening security crisis marked by repeated mass kidnappings and attacks on civilians, particularly in recent incidents involving schoolchildren in parts of Oyo, Borno, and Kogi states. Large portions of Nigerian territory in the North West, Middle Belt and North East are now effectively under the control or influence of terrorists and bandits, while several once‑thriving communities in parts of the South West have been deserted as frightened residents flee repeated attacks and kidnappings. As the calls for special courts intensify, the question remains whether the political will and resources to establish and sustain such specialised judicial mechanisms will match the urgency of the crisis they are intended to address.
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