The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has intensified its call for the arrest and prosecution of former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo.
The group asserts that Asari’s alleged activities, particularly his admission of running a private army and his involvement in operations in the South-East, warrant immediate action by Nigerian authorities.
HURIWA’s demand follows a series of alarming statements and actions by Asari Dokubo, especially after his visit to President Bola Tinubu following the latter’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
During that visit, Asari granted a controversial interview in which he claimed to have undertaken missions for the Federal Government, not only in combating terrorists in the North but also in conducting operations in the South-East.
The rights group, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, has questioned the legality of a private individual operating what it describes as a “private army.”
HURIWA insists that this is unconstitutional and poses a serious threat to national security.
“How can a private individual be allowed to run a private army in a country where the constitution clearly prohibits such actions?” Onwubiko asked.
“This is not just illegal; it is a direct challenge to the authority of the Nigerian state and its security apparatus.”
HURIWA’s concerns are not limited to the mere existence of Asari Dokubo’s alleged private army.
The group expressed grave concern over reports suggesting that some of the killings in the South-East during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari might have been carried out by this private militia.
The association pointed out that despite the severity of these allegations, there has been no visible response from key security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS).
HURIWA emphasised the need for a transparent and thorough investigation into these claims, particularly in light of video footage showing Dokubo brandishing sophisticated military-grade weapons, which no private individual in Nigeria is legally permitted to possess.
“Why has there been no action taken by the Army, DSS, or any other security outfit in the face of such serious allegations? This silence is deafening and dangerous,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group also criticized what it sees as the selective application of justice in Nigeria, citing the contrasting treatment of different individuals and groups by the government.
HURIWA drew a parallel between the government’s handling of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and that of a Miyetti Allah leader who was arrested and later released despite facing charges in court.
“The Federal Government’s sudden withdrawal of charges and release of the Miyetti Allah leader raises questions about the selective application of justice,” the group noted.
HURIWA reiterated its belief that Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is illegal, arguing that the government has failed to provide any substantial evidence linking him to the violence in the South-East.
The group questioned how many individuals arrested as IPOB members have been successfully prosecuted, and whether there is any concrete proof linking IPOB members loyal to Nnamdi Kanu to the killings in the region.
The situation in the South-East has been a source of concern for many years, with the region experiencing a spike in violence, including attacks on security personnel, government facilities, and civilians.
The Federal Government has repeatedly blamed these acts on IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), although IPOB has often denied involvement.
