Nigerian authorities have faced scrutiny and accusations of double standards after failing to arrest and prosecute Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader, despite clear evidence of him violating both the Cybercrime Act 2015 and Nigeria’s Firearms Act.
In a viral video clip, Mr. Dokubo brandished two AK-47 rifles and made threatening remarks against the Igbo ethnic group, which predominantly resides in Nigeria’s South-east. This act directly contravenes the Firearms Act, which stipulates that possession of firearms or ammunition without the appropriate license is punishable by a minimum of 10 years imprisonment upon conviction.
Furthermore, the video’s content also falls within the purview of the Cybercrime Act 2015, which prohibits the distribution of racist or xenophobic material and public insults based on race, ethnicity, or religion through a computer system or network.
The video clip began trending on 20 June, about four days after the former militant leader met with President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Despite the video garnering public attention and criticism, Mr. Dokubo remains at large, raising concerns about the equality of law enforcement in Nigeria. Various individuals who committed similar offenses have been promptly arrested and prosecuted, while Mr. Dokubo continues to evade legal consequences.
A comparison is drawn with the recent case of the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The Nigerian government acted swiftly in Mr. Emefiele’s case, filing charges on the same day a judge gave the State Security Service (SSS) an ultimatum to either charge him or release him.
Despite attempts to obtain comments from the police and SSS regarding the lack of action against Mr. Dokubo, both authorities remained silent.
The situation has prompted criticism from the public, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of law enforcement in Nigeria. As the issue gains attention, many are calling for accountability and equal treatment under the law.
Source: Premium Times
