BY SAM OTUONYE
Human Rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has called on the leadership of Nigeria at all levels to urgently arrest the current and worsening cases of insecurity, kidnapping and terrorist activities in the country, warning that they pose a serious threat to democratic participation and the upcoming elections in 2027.
Falana made the remarks on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Abuja during the unveiling of the Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, established in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as part of activities marking the annual June 12 Democracy Day commemoration lecture.
The event was held in honour of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, CON, the reverred Electoral Umpire of the annulled June 12, 1993 elections, under the theme: “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria.”
He expressed concerns over the increasing number of schoolchildren and teachers held in captivity by criminal groups, stressing that no democracy can flourish where citizens live in fear.
“If terrorism and abductions continue unchecked, it will become difficult to conduct meaningful political campaigns and elections,” Falana stated.
He urged the Federal Government to provide better equipment and motivation for the security personnel, noting that Nigerian military personnel have demonstrated professionalism in numerous international peacekeeping missions.
Falana strongly condemned the practice of negotiating with terrorists and criminal groups, insisting that such actions embolden criminality and undermine the rule of law.
According to him, the provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act prescribe severe penalties for engaging with terrorist groups.
“This business of negotiating with criminals and describing them as repentant is unacceptable. People who have killed innocent citizens, abducted children and collected ransom should be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
While commending recent security operations that led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, Falana emphasized that paying ransom and accommodating criminal elements only fuels further insecurity.
Continuing, Falana lamented what he described as the growing use of the Cybercrimes Act to suppress dissenting voices.
“Today in Nigeria, if you make any statement against a governor, the president, or any influential person, you are charged under the Cybercrimes Act. Our right to free speech is already being taken away,” he said.
The senior lawyer recalled the landmark judgement : Arthur Nwankwo v. The State, in which the Court of Appeal declared that colonial-era sedition laws should no longer be used to intimidate Nigerians.
He warned that public officials who feel defamed should seek redress through civil libel actions rather than deploying state institutions against critics.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in Nigeria.
Ojukwu described democracy and human rights as inseparable, emphasizing that credible elections, civic participation, freedom of expression, equality before the law and accountable governance remain essential pillars of democratic development.
He said the newly established Professor Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights would focus on civic education, electoral reform advocacy, leadership development, youth engagement, research and the promotion of ethical governance.
“The Centre provides a valuable platform for sustained national engagement on democratic consolidation and human rights advancement,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Nwosu family, Engr. Nnaemeka Humphrey Nwosu, Co-founder and President of the Humphrey N. Nwosu Centre, said the institution was created to preserve and advance the democratic ideals championed by his late father, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
He recalled the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, describing it as a defining moment that united Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.
“The June 12 election was more than an election; it was a moment of hope and national unity,” he said.
According to him, although the election was annulled, it ignited a democratic consciousness among Nigerians and reinforced the belief that democracy is worth defending.
He said the new Centre would serve as a platform for promoting integrity, transparency, courage, credible elections and respect for human rights across Nigeria and Africa.
“The Centre is more than a tribute to one individual. It is a promise that the values my father stood for will not only be remembered but actively practiced.”
