HURIWA queries closed-door trial of terrorists

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the trial and prosecution of terrorism suspects in Nigeria.

The group accused the government of mishandling the process, asserting that the entire spectacle is shrouded in secrecy, raising doubts about the credibility and accountability of the ongoing trials.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, HURIWA through its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticised the government for providing limited information about the trials of Boko Haram and other terrorism suspects.

It noted that the trials, reportedly held at facilities like the Kainji detention centre have been devoid of public oversight, with no credible reportage or journalistic observation to corroborate claims of convictions or acquittals.

“While the government claims to have prosecuted and convicted hundreds of terrorism suspects, no Nigerian citizen or reliable journalist has seen these trials take place.

“The process has been reduced to a press statement scribbled by the Office of the National Security Adviser or the Attorney General, leaving Nigerians in the dark about the proceedings,” HURIWA stated.

The association emphasised that democracy requires transparency and accountability, especially in the prosecution of crimes as grave as terrorism. It cited global examples, such as the trials of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, where journalists are allowed to witness proceedings under controlled conditions, ensuring credibility and public trust.

“Even in the United States, where Guantanamo Bay houses some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, journalists are granted access to observe trials and report to the public.

“This allows citizens to believe in the system and ensure accountability. In Nigeria, however, the government tries terrorism suspects off-camera and without any independent observers. This is unacceptable,” HURIWA declared.

The group accused the government of running the country like a secret society by withholding critical information from citizens. It also argued that the sovereignty of Nigeria belongs to its people, as enshrined in the Constitution, and that citizens have the right to know how those who unleash monumental violence on their communities are being prosecuted.

HURIWA stressed that the ongoing secrecy undermines trust in the judicial process and leaves room for doubt about whether the trials are even taking place.

“We are not advocating live coverage of these trials due to potential security concerns, but there must be provisions for judicial correspondents and credible media representatives to witness the proceedings and report to Nigerians.

“This will ensure believability and credibility in the process,” the group stated.