Prosecuting Kidnappers, Bandits Not FG’s Job — Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on
Tuesday, has stated that the prosecution of bandits is not the
responsibility of the Federal Government because it is not a
federal offence.

The Minister made this known at a press conference in Abuja
while responding to statements credited to the opposition Peoples
Democratic Party on the security challenges facing the country.

The minister said, “The PDP alleged that kidnappers and bandits
are not being brought to justice. This is apparently aimed at the
Federal Government.

“It is shocking that a party that ruled this nation for all of
16 years does not know that kidnapping and banditry are not federal
offences.

“The PDP should therefore call out the states, including those
being controlled by it, to ensure a rigorous prosecution of
arrested kidnappers and bandits.

“Meanwhile, PDP conveniently forgot that as far as terrorism, a
federal offence, is concerned, this Federal Government has
successfully prosecuted thousands of Boko Haram members in Kainji,
as part of a continuing exercise. We are now seeking the
cooperation of the judiciary to continue with the trial of arrested
terrorists.”

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on
Tuesday, has stated that the prosecution of bandits is not the
responsibility of the Federal Government because it is not a
federal offence.

The Minister made this known at a press conference in Abuja
while responding to statements credited to the opposition Peoples
Democratic Party on the security challenges facing the country.

The minister said, “The PDP alleged that kidnappers and bandits
are not being brought to justice. This is apparently aimed at the
Federal Government.

“It is shocking that a party that ruled this nation for all of
16 years does not know that kidnapping and banditry are not federal
offences.

“The PDP should therefore call out the states, including those
being controlled by it, to ensure a rigorous prosecution of
arrested kidnappers and bandits.

“Meanwhile, PDP conveniently forgot that as far as terrorism, a
federal offence, is concerned, this Federal Government has
successfully prosecuted thousands of Boko Haram members in Kainji,
as part of a continuing exercise. We are now seeking the
cooperation of the judiciary to continue with the trial of arrested
terrorists.”