05/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Friday, 5th June 2026
GAF HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORTS MURIC OGUN STATE'S CALL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL COURTS FOR TERRORISM, BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING
The leadership and members of Gani Akintayo Foundation for Human Rights, Social Justice and Empowerment (GAF HUMAN RIGHTS) hereby express our strong support for the recent call by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, for the urgent establishment of Special Courts dedicated to the trial of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening the peace, security and stability of Nigeria.
As a foremost human rights and social justice advocacy organization, GAF Human Rights firmly believes that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government. The alarming rise in kidnapping, terrorism and organized criminal activities across the country has created fear, anxiety and uncertainty among citizens, thereby undermining national development, economic growth and social cohesion.
We are particularly disturbed by the continued abduction of innocent school children, teachers and other vulnerable citizens in various parts of the country. The prolonged captivity of victims and the emotional, psychological and financial trauma suffered by their families demand urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities.
GAF Human Rights is equally concerned about recent reports in the media regarding cases of alleged self-kidnapping and other criminal schemes designed to extort funds, defraud individuals or manipulate public institutions for personal gain. Such acts further complicate the security landscape and underscore the need for an efficient justice system capable of swiftly identifying, prosecuting and punishing offenders.
We align with MURIC Ogun State in emphasizing the timeless principle that "Justice delayed is justice denied." The current judicial process for terrorism, kidnapping and banditry-related cases often experiences prolonged delays, which weaken public confidence in the justice system and diminish the deterrent effect of the law.
Recent security concerns in Ogun State, including reported kidnapping incidents and allegations of criminal activities within some communities, further demonstrate the urgent need for specialized judicial mechanisms capable of ensuring speedy investigations, timely prosecutions and swift dispensation of justice in accordance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.
We therefore call on:
1. The Federal Government of Nigeria;
2. The National Assembly;
3. The Chief Justice of Nigeria;
4. The National Judicial Council;
5. State Governments; and
6. Relevant Security Agencies
to immediately commence the legal, legislative and administrative processes necessary for the establishment of Special Courts for Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping across the country.
Such courts will:
- Fast-track criminal trials involving terrorism, banditry and kidnapping;
- Reduce unnecessary delays in the administration of justice;
- Strengthen public confidence in the judiciary;
- Serve as a strong deterrent to criminal elements;
- Enhance national security efforts;
- Improve coordination among law enforcement and judicial institutions; and
- Promote accountability, justice and closure for victims and their families.
GAF Human Rights reiterates that our support for this initiative is not based on ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or sectional interests. Rather, it is founded upon the universal principles of justice, human dignity, public safety and the constitutional right of every Nigerian to live free from fear, violence and intimidation.
We also urge citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, report suspicious activities and contribute positively toward community safety and security. Security remains a collective responsibility, and every stakeholder has a role to play in safeguarding our nation.
Nigeria cannot afford to normalize kidnapping, terrorism and banditry. The time for rhetoric has passed. What our nation requires now are bold actions, effective institutions and swift justice capable of confronting these threats decisively.
GAF Human Rights therefore joins MURIC Ogun State in demanding:
"GIVE NIGERIA SPECIAL COURTS FOR TERRORISM, BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING NOW."
Justice must be swift.
Justice must be certain.
Justice must prevail.
Signed:
Hon. Comrade Ganiyu Temidire Akintayo, BCIM
National President
GAF Human Rights Social Justice and Empowerment (GAF HUMAN RIGHTS)
Issued this 5th Day of June, 2026
