The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the arrest of former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo, urging the authorities to either prosecute him or at least launch an open investigation into the legality of his actions.
HURIWA expressed concern over a controversial interview Dokubo gave after visiting Bola Tinubu following his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
In the interview, Dokubo admitted to leading a private army and claimed he had been involved in government-sanctioned operations against terrorists in the North and carried out activities in the South-East.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA questioned how a private individual could be permitted to operate a private army, which is unconstitutional in Nigeria.
The group also called for an investigation into allegations that some killings in the South-East during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari were carried out by Dokubo’s so-called private army.
HURIWA further expressed concern over video footage showing Dokubo wielding sophisticated military-grade weapons, which are illegal for any private citizen in Nigeria to possess.
“Despite these serious allegations, there has been no action taken by the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security outfit,” it added.
HURIWA said it was alarmed that the Army and the Police “continue to parade individuals purportedly arrested as IPOB members, yet there has been no transparent disclosure regarding how many of these individuals have been successfully prosecuted”.
The rights group demanded answers “on how many of those arrested have been tried, convicted, or are still in detention. Moreover, HURIWA questioned whether there is any substantial proof linking the mainstream IPOB loyal to Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained for an extended period, to the killings”.
HURIWA reaffirmed its stance that Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is unlawful, asserting that the government has not presented any evidence connecting him to the violence in the South-East.
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The group also compared Kanu’s situation to that of a Miyetti Allah leader who, despite facing charges in court, was arrested and subsequently released by the government.
“The Federal Government’s sudden withdrawal of charges and release of the Miyetti Allah leader raises questions about the selective application of justice,” it added.
The association urged an independent and transparent investigation into the killings in the South-East to uncover the true identities of those responsible.
The group stated that it “believes only an international body like the UNHRC can conduct a fair investigation that will ensure accountability for the perpetrators.”
HURIWA also called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
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