*Former Militant Leader’s Brandishing of Firearms Ignites Outcry of Unequal Treatment Before the Law
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In a troubling display of unequal treatment before the law, Nigerian authorities have failed to arrest Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader, several months after he brazenly brandished AK-47 rifles in a video clip that has now gone viral on social media. The shocking incident has sparked public outrage as it comes amid a wave of arrests and prosecutions of individuals for similar offenses, exposing a concerning disparity in the enforcement of Nigerian laws.
The incendiary video clip, released by Mr. Dokubo in late September 2022 but first gaining traction on a YouTube page on 1 October 2022, features the former militant leader making alarming threats against the Igbo ethnic group, predominantly residing in Nigeria’s South-east region. In the footage, Mr. Dokubo derogatorily referred to the Igbos as “slaves” and brazenly declared his intention to commit violence against them, brandishing not one, but two AK-47 rifles throughout the chilling tirade.
The video soon spread like wildfire on social media, capturing the attention of millions and triggering widespread condemnation. Astonishingly, despite the overt violations of Nigerian law, particularly the Firearms Act No 32 of 1959, which unequivocally prohibits the possession of firearms without a proper license, no action has been taken against Mr. Dokubo, leaving many questioning the authorities’ commitment to justice and equal application of the law.
The former militant leader’s audacious show of lawlessness became even more concerning when, on 20 June, just four days after the video emerged, he was seen hobnobbing with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This public display of impunity sent shockwaves throughout the nation, as it seemed to imply a lack of accountability for individuals in positions of influence.
In stark contrast to Mr. Dokubo’s case, other individuals have faced swift arrests and prosecutions for lesser offenses. A case in point is the arrest of a pastor from the House on the Rock Refuge Church, Uche Aigbe, in February, after a video clip of him carrying an AK-47 rifle during a Sunday church service went viral on social media. The pastor’s offense fell under Section 111 of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004, and contravened Sections 97, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code.
Similarly, the police in Osun State arrested an individual for making anti-Igbo tweets that violated the Cybercrime Act 2015. The act prohibits the distribution of racist or xenophobic material through computer systems or networks, and public insults based on race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, or religion, with offenders facing imprisonment or hefty fines.
The lack of action against Mr. Dokubo, who flagrantly breached both the Cybercrime Act 2015 and the Firearms Act No 32 of 1959, has amplified concerns about selective enforcement and impunity among the Nigerian authorities. Critics argue that such blatant disregard for the law undermines the nation’s justice system and sends a dangerous message to the public.
This glaring discrepancy in the treatment of offenses has left citizens questioning the integrity of the Nigerian legal system and demanding that the government ensure justice is served equally for all. Pressure is mounting on the authorities to take decisive action against Mr. Dokubo and hold him accountable for his actions, thereby demonstrating their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
As the video continues to circulate and gain attention on social media, Nigerians are calling for a transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and equality that form the bedrock of any just society. Only time will tell if the Nigerian authorities will rise to the occasion and address these grave concerns, signaling their unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law in the face of mounting public scrutiny.
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