Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has raised serious concerns over the handling of terrorism cases in Nigerian courts, accusing some judges of delivering sentences that do not reflect the gravity of the crimes committed.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Oshiomhole said Nigeria is battling severe security challenges, yet the government, particularly the president, is making significant efforts to improve the situation. He noted that he has followed several terrorism trials and observed that many suspects have been convicted, but the punishments issued in some cases fall short of what the law prescribes.
According to him, the law is clear that anyone found guilty of terrorism should face the highest form of punishment. However, he has seen instances where individuals responsible for mass killings were handed sentences as low as 20 years’ imprisonment.
Oshiomhole stressed that judges have no authority to reduce penalties already defined by law. Their constitutional role, he said, is to interpret the law, not amend it. He insisted that when someone has taken many lives and is finally apprehended, there is no legal basis for a judge to grant clemency that is not provided for by law.
He emphasized that only the president holds the constitutional power to grant mercy. Oshiomhole added that he believes the president is fully aware of the issue and is committed to ensuring that the justice system reflects the seriousness of the nation’s security challenges.
“You have killed so many people, and then you are apprehended, why should any judge grant you any clemency that he’s not empowered by law to do?” he asked.
