Human rights activist Ben Okabwe has criticised Nigeria’s criminal justice system, arguing that weak prosecution undermines efforts to combat insecurity.
Speaking during the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Okabwe said arresting suspected criminals alone would not improve security unless cases are effectively prosecuted and offenders held accountable.
Citing a recent incident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), she claimed police uncovered a kidnapping syndicate in Abuja and alleged that two of the suspects had previously been arrested for kidnapping four years earlier but were later released.
“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.
She argued that the incident raises concerns about the prosecution of serious criminal cases, warning that releasing suspects without effective legal consequences exposes communities to further danger and forces security agencies to repeatedly confront the same alleged offenders. Her remarks reflect allegations made during the discussion and have not been independently verified.
