Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has questioned the Federal Government over the scope and sincerity of its ongoing prosecution of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, asking why alleged terrorism financiers have not been brought before the courts.
Dalung, in a public reaction to Malami’s trial, argued that terrorism in Nigeria cannot thrive without financial backing, insisting that any genuine effort to combat insecurity must go beyond prosecuting political office holders to exposing and prosecuting those who allegedly fund terrorist groups.
He noted that successive governments have repeatedly claimed to possess intelligence on individuals and networks financing terrorism, yet no prominent financiers have been conclusively prosecuted or convicted. According to him, this raises concerns about selective justice and political calculations in the fight against insecurity.
Malami, who served as Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023, is facing legal scrutiny over alleged abuse of office and financial misconduct linked to actions taken during his tenure. He has denied all allegations and maintains that he acted within the law while in office.
Dalung said trying a former justice minister without simultaneously unveiling and prosecuting alleged terror financiers creates the impression that the government is avoiding the more powerful actors behind Nigeria’s security crisis. He warned that without transparency and comprehensive prosecutions, public confidence in the anti-terrorism and anti-corruption campaigns would continue to erode.
The former minister called on the Federal Government to demonstrate seriousness by naming suspects, freezing assets linked to terrorism financing, and ensuring that prosecutions target both decision-makers and those who bankroll violence.
His remarks have reignited public debate over whether Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy is driven by justice and accountability or shaped by political convenience.
Abuja Network News
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