Wadume: Falana Seeks Arrest of Soldiers Who Killed Policemen

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr.

Femi Falana, yesterday added his voice to the growing calls for the arrest and prosecution of soldiers who killed policemen during the arrest of Hamisu Bala, a.k.a Wadume, a suspected kidnap kingpin in Taraba State.

On August 6, 2019, policemen attached to the intelligence response team of the force, who arrested Wadume were shot dead by soldiers.

Three policemen and two civilians were killed during the incident, while five other police officers were injured.

One of the policemen killed in the incident was Assistant

Superintendent, Felix Adolije, who was described as one of the best among the team known for handling special crime cases across the country.

Although, a court had directed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce for prosecution, the army officers involved in the incident, the order is yet to be complied with.

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,

Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), yesterday, Falana demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of 10 soldiers involved in the killing of the officers.

The human rights lawyer, who is the counsel to Adolije’s family, said the army has refused to “release the suspected killersoldiers to face justice.”

He said the 16-count charge bordering on terrorism, murder and kidnapping levelled against Wadume reinforces the need to prosecute the soldiers.

He said he would take other actions if Malami refuses to comply with his request.

“The request of the police investigation team to interrogate the 10 soldiers who were indicted in the killing of the three policemen and two civilians as well as the kidnap of members of the public in Taraba State was turned down by the army authorities,” the letter read.