Abuja-based human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services, DSS, for the swift action in arresting and arraigning nine suspects allegedly connected to recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
Adeyanju, a figure known for his consistent criticism of successive governments, described the development as a step that rekindles hope for justice among communities that have long suffered from violence and insecurity.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Adeyanju specifically commended Tinubu and DSS Director-General, Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi, for prioritising accountability in cases where lives have been lost. “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director-General of the DSS for the arraignment of nine prime suspects linked to the tragic killings in Benue and Plateau states.
This is a welcome step that gives hope to the affected communities that justice will be done and that the lost lives will not be forgotten,” he wrote.
Beyond commending the arrests, Adeyanju stressed that the situation should be a wake-up call for government to broaden its protective measures for citizens.
He argued that while arraigning suspected killers is commendable, Nigeria still battles widespread insecurity caused by bandits and other armed groups across the country.
“I believe this moment also serves an opportunity to call for the protection of Nigerians who are killed daily by bandits all over the country,” he added.
The activist further highlighted another long-standing concern: unlawful and prolonged detentions by security agencies.
According to him, many Nigerians continue to languish in custody without being charged to court, a practice he described as unjust and damaging to the credibility of the country’s justice system. “Citizens cannot continue to spend years in custody without charge.
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Too often, people are held in detention for long periods without being charged, and their families go through needless suffering. Justice delayed in this way affects both the innocent and the justice system itself,” Adeyanju noted.
On Wednesday, the DSS confirmed that it had arraigned the nine individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja. They were charged in connection with unlawful possession of firearms, assisting terrorist activities, and other related offences.
The suspects appeared in court under six separate charge numbers, including FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025 through FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025.
Those arraigned include Terkende Ashuwa (46), Amos Alede (44), Haruna Adamu (26), Muhammed Abdullahi (48), Halima Haliru Usman (32), Timna Manjo (46), Nanbol Tali (75), Danjuma Antu (62), and Silas Iduh Oloche.
Among them, only Manjo pleaded guilty to two counts, while others maintained their innocence. The trial process is expected to continue in the coming weeks as prosecutors present evidence and witnesses.
Adeyanju’s remarks also recall his earlier commendations for the DSS under its current leadership. In July, he publicly acknowledged improvements in the agency’s respect for human rights, citing the case of businessman Abdulyakini Salisu, who had been held since 2022 without charge.
Following interventions by Ajayi and his team, Salisu was eventually released. Adeyanju has since pointed to several other cases where detainees were freed or compensated, noting that such reforms marked a departure from practices under previous DSS leadership.
He argued that institutionalising reforms in Nigeria’s security and justice system is essential to ending impunity and ensuring accountability.
“A reformed process that ensures timely investigation and prosecution will reinforce the credibility of our justice system and restore the confidence of the public in our institutions,” he stated.
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