Adeyanju Commends FG, DSS Over Terror Suspects’ Trials, Says Over 20,000 Still In Detention 

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A human rights lawyer and activist, Barr. Deji Adeyanju has commended the Federal Government and the Department of State Service (DSS) for arraigning terrorism suspects before various courts across the country, describing the move as a demonstration of compliance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday said that while the decision to prosecute terrorism suspects before courts of competent jurisdiction is commendable, thousands of other suspects remain in prolonged detention without trial.

According to him, more than 20,000 terrorism suspects are still being held in various detention facilities across the country, with some reportedly having spent over 15 years in custody without their cases being concluded.

He argued that such prolonged detention violates the provisions of the Constitution and internationally recognised human rights standards, urging the authorities to ensure that all detainees are either promptly prosecuted or released where there is insufficient evidence to sustain charges.

The human rights lawyer also called for the closure of the detention facility at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, alleging that detainees regularly die there as a result of poor detention conditions, starvation and inadequate medical care.

He described the facility as one of the worst detention centres on the African continent and urged the Federal Government to investigate the conditions at the barracks and implement urgent reforms to safeguard the rights and welfare of all detainees.

Adeyanju further stressed that while the fight against terrorism remains a national priority, it must be conducted within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law, with due respect for the fundamental rights of every suspect.