Lagos Lawyer Petitions Court to Compel Prosecution of Alleged Boko Haram Sponsors

Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Evans Ufeli, has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an order compelling the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to prosecute individuals listed by the federal government as sponsors of Boko Haram. In his petition, Ufeli, who also serves as Executive Director of the Cadrell Advocacy Centre, filed an Order of Mandamus urging the AGF to immediately commence trials for those identified as financiers of terrorism.

The suit, which names the AGF and the National Security Adviser as respondents, highlights the government’s prior efforts to identify individuals and corporate bodies, particularly Bureau de Change operators, as sponsors of Boko Haram. According to Ufeli, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee had previously published a list of 21 individuals and six corporate entities tagged as terrorism financiers.

Ufeli contends that despite this public identification, there has been no effort to prosecute those involved, arguing that this inaction is a breach of the respondents’ statutory duties and is against public policy. He has called for an urgent response, stating that failing to prosecute these individuals undermines the fight against terrorism and creates an environment of impunity.

The petition stresses that prosecuting those listed would serve as a deterrent and help curb terrorism financing in the country. Ufeli also cited a personal loss in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, urging the court to act swiftly to ensure justice.

No hearing date has yet been set for the case.