Yinka Olomojobi, a professor of human rights and gender law, was shot and killed last Friday, April 19, in Iperu Remo, Ogun state, by people who may have been kidnappers.
He gave Vanguard an interview just before he passed away, in which he discussed human rights law and armed warfare.
In the interview, the professor from Babcock University expressed worries about the nation’s security state and gave advice that, in order to discourage future kidnappings and terrorist attacks, the government should be tough and uncompromising in its penalties. He covered other topics as well.
In response to a question on his thoughts on Nigeria’s government pardoning terrorists and insurgents, he said that such a move should be discouraged and that punishment for the offenders is necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The issue of amnesty is very complex because there have been violations of human rights laws and international humanitarian law,” he stated.
“I don’t think they should be permitted to go once you have violated human rights law and the right to life has been taken away.
“Some punitive measures are necessary; otherwise, this could allow additional rebels to take up weapons later on, knowing that there is a chance for some form of amnesty.
Therefore, everything ought to be done in compliance with the law.
“They ought to stand trial for violating human rights and international humanitarian law. They ought to work together.
The same ought to hold true for other offenses like kidnapping and corruption, which are both growing to be significant issues in the nation.
“It will be a serious deterrent to others when people are properly punished for the crimes they committed,” the speaker said.
