The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant Kabiru Umar, popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto, 21 days to file an appeal against his life sentence.

HURIWA said the decision could create another opportunity for the convict to challenge a sentence imposed over terrorism-related offences linked to the 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.

The organisation made its position known in a statement signed on Friday by its National Coordinator.

Sokoto secured the fresh appeal window against the Federal High Court judgment delivered on December 20, 2013. HURIWA noted that the Court of Appeal has neither overturned his conviction nor ruled on the merits of his proposed appeal.

The group acknowledged Sokoto’s constitutional right to pursue available judicial remedies. However, it questioned the decision to reopen the procedural window more than a decade after his conviction.

The December 2011 Madalla bombing occurred on Christmas Day and killed dozens of worshippers. Several others sustained injuries in the attack on the Catholic church.

HURIWA said the scale of the tragedy requires the government to maintain a strong commitment to justice, accountability and public safety.

The organisation also expressed concern about the possible impact of the appeal on the families of the victims.

It asked what safeguards would protect their interests throughout the appellate process. It also questioned what position the Federal Government would take if the conviction survives the appeal.

HURIWA urged the government to examine whether the existing life sentence adequately reflects the gravity of the offences for which Sokoto was convicted.

The group warned that perceived leniency in terrorism cases could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism justice system.

HURIWA also clarified that its reference to Sokoto’s arrest at the Borno State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja did not implicate Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Shettima served as Borno State governor when authorities arrested Sokoto. HURIWA said it mentioned the circumstance only to provide historical context.

The organisation called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Justice and relevant institutions to handle the appellate process with diligence and transparency.

It urged authorities to take every lawful step necessary to protect the interests of the victims and the wider public.

HURIWA stressed that any action concerning Sokoto’s sentence must comply with Nigerian law and constitutional safeguards.

“The fight against terrorism cannot be won through impunity, selective justice or institutional weakness,” the organisation said.

It further urged the Court of Appeal to give full consideration to the legal and evidentiary issues if the substantive appeal eventually comes before it.

HURIWA maintained that justice should protect the rights of the convicted person while also recognising the victims whose lives the Madalla bombing took.