The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for expedited prosecution of the killers of 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Deborah Samuel.
Its President, Olumide Akpata in a statement he personally signed, also called on security agencies to do more in stemming these developments and to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts were made to face the full wrath of the law.
The NBA asked government to immediately commence the prosecution of all suspects involved in the brutal and arbitrary killing in order to send a strong signal that such acts will no longer be tolerated in Nigeria.
According to him, the prompt and effective prosecution of the alleged killers will instill confidence in the citizens, promote accountability, and signpost the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
The NBA expressed worry over unconfirmed reports that the suspects have been charged with mere breach of public peace and called on Sokoto state government to rethink its prosecution strategy and file charges that truly reflect the gravity of the situation.
Akpata said the demand for the release of the suspects by some protesting youths coupled with assault on innocent citizens, burning of worship centres and destruction of property, is also worrisome and clearly a test the will of the State to fully enforce its laws and foster rule of law.
He added that its annual conference of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law, SPIDEL scheduled to hold next week in Sokoto, had been postponed having reviewed the current security condition in the state.
“It has become apparent that the NBA cannot guarantee the safety of participants and accordingly, the Conference has been postponed also as a mark of respect for the memory of the slain Deborah Yakubu.”
The NBA urged the state government to fully collaborate with the federal government to initiate measures — and where necessary deploy its coercive instruments — to restore peace and order to the State, safeguard lives and property and dissuade vandalism and impunity.
