A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal scholar, Dr. Wahab Shittu, has called for stricter penalties for terrorism-related offences, insisting that the death penalty should remain an option for convicted terrorists under Nigeria’s legal system.
Shittu made the call during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, while reacting to the recent conviction of five terrorism suspects, including those linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Although three of the convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the senior lawyer said the judgment reflected the provisions of the existing law rather than judicial leniency.
He explained that judges are bound by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and cannot impose penalties outside those prescribed by legislation, urging the National Assembly to strengthen the law by prescribing stiffer punishments for all categories of terrorism offences.
According to him, terrorism is not an ordinary criminal offence but a crime against humanity because it destroys lives, cripples economies and threatens national security, making it deserving of the highest punishment allowed by law.
Shittu maintained that any campaign for tougher sanctions should be directed at lawmakers, stressing that courts can only interpret and apply the law as enacted.
The legal expert also described terrorism as a transnational threat, noting that the conviction of two citizens of the Republic of Niger among the suspects underscored the need for stronger border control and closer collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners.
He commended the Federal High Court judges designated to handle terrorism cases and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for ensuring that suspects are prosecuted instead of remaining in prolonged detention without trial.
While advocating stiffer punishment, Shittu stressed that every terrorism suspect must enjoy the constitutional right to a fair hearing, adding that severe penalties can only be justified after due process has been strictly observed.
Beyond prosecution, he called for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced forensic and digital investigation capabilities, stronger regional cooperation and a more coordinated strategy to dismantle terrorist networks and their financiers.
The senior advocate also urged the Federal Government to establish a Victims Trust Fund to provide compensation, rehabilitation and other forms of support for victims of terrorism and their families, arguing that convictions alone do not amount to complete justice.
He further advised government against negotiating with terrorists or yielding to their demands, warning that doing so could encourage further acts of violence and weaken the state’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
According to Shittu, any move to introduce harsher penalties, including making the death sentence mandatory for convicted terrorists, must come through legislative amendment, as judges cannot create laws but are duty-bound to enforce the laws enacted by the National Assembly.
