…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
A Security Expert’s Perspective
Chidi Omeje, a security expert, encourages President Bola Tinubu to focus on reforming rather than ending the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Programme for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
Omeje argues that relying solely on direct force or kinetic means will not bring about the desired end to the insurgency.
He believes that non-kinetic methods, such as amnesty programs, play a crucial role in countering these security threats.
Omeje emphasizes the advantages of granting amnesty, including encouraging others to surrender and avoiding the lumping together of insurgents with those who were forced into terrorism.
He suggests that reforming the program will help bring about the best possible outcomes.
Disagreement with the Continuation of the Programme
A Dissenting View
Oladele Fajana, a security consultant, disagrees with suggestions that the De-radicalisation Programme should continue.
He believes that the country should not encourage criminality and is against offering incentives to criminals to lay down their arms.
Fajana questions the fairness of providing
g financial support to former insurgents while the victims, who have lost their loved ones to terrorism, continue to struggle. He argues that the program should be discontinued and that criminals should face appropriate legal consequences.
Challenges in the Prosecution of Arrested Insurgents
Concerns of a High-Ranking Lawyer
Emeka Etiaba, a high-ranking lawyer, expresses concerns about the impending prosecution of 2,000 arrested insurgents.
He points out the current shortage of judges and predicts potential negative impacts on ongoing cases.
Etiaba highlights that the large number of cases related to these suspects could cause delays in other trials, leading to a burden on the assigned judges.
To address this strain on the judicial system, Etiaba suggests grouping the suspects together for their trials, which would distribute the workload among multiple judges.
Subtitle 4: Leveraging Technology and Concurrent Judgments
The Role of Technology and Streamlined Proceedings
Ifedayo Adedipe, another senior lawyer, suggests that the use of technology could expedite the prosecution of terror cases.
He notes that criminal cases can be relatively easier to prove in certain circumstances.
Adedipe believes that the onus will be on the arrested Boko Haram suspects to explain their involvement and the source of their weapons.
He highlights that utilizing technology can expedite the legal process.
Additionally, security expert Olalekan Ojo argues that the crimes committed by the insurgents are monolithic, allowing judgments to be passed concurrently.
Ojo suggests that eight judges are sufficient to prosecute the insurgents, and multiple suspects can be tried simultaneously, leading to quicker verdicts and sentencing.
Subtitle 5: Doubts and Expectations Surrounding the Planned Trial
Cautious Optimism and Lingering Doubts
Olalekan Ojo expresses doubts about the planned trial, suggesting that the insurgents still have political and religious sympathizers.
He questions whether the government will genuinely prosecute these individuals, considering that some were previously granted amnesty.
Ojo raises concerns about the existence of individuals with political and religious affiliations who may support the insurgents.
On the other hand, Patrick Agbambu, a security analyst, acknowledges the need for clarity regarding the involvement of the eight judges in the trial.
Despite this, Agbambu considers the planned trial a positive development and believes that Nigerians eagerly await the speedy prosecution of the suspects.
Conclusion:
The perspectives surrounding the De-radicalisation Programme for repentant Boko Haram insurgents vary significantly.
While some argue for its reform and continuation, citing the advantages of amnesty and non-kinetic methods, others emphasize the need to discontinue the program and focus on legal consequences for criminals.
The impending prosecution of the arrested insurgents raises concerns about the shortage of judges and the potential impact on ongoing cases.
Suggestions such as grouping suspects together, leveraging technology, and passing concurrent judgments are put forth to address these challenges.
Doubts persist regarding the sincerity of the planned trial due to political and religious sympathizers.
Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism among security analysts and the public, who eagerly anticipate a swift and fair trial for the suspects.
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