Human rights activist Ben Okabwe has raised concerns about Nigeria’s criminal justice system, questioning how suspected kidnappers previously arrested were allegedly able to return to society and resume criminal activities.
Speaking during the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Okabwe argued that arrests alone cannot address insecurity if the justice system fails to ensure effective prosecution and accountability.
Citing a recent incident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), she said, “Yesterday, the police here in Abuja uncovered a group of kidnappers and two of the kidnappers had been arrested four years ago for kidnapping and they were still let back onto the street to go and kidnap again.”
Okabwe said the incident raises concerns about the handling of criminal cases involving suspects accused of violent offences. She argued that when such suspects are released without effective legal consequences, communities remain vulnerable while security agencies are forced to confront the same alleged offenders repeatedly.
Her remarks reflect her views during the town hall discussion and have not been independently verified.
