Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member for Kaduna North federal constituency, has openly questioned judicial sentencing practices in Nigeria.

He argues that inconsistent sentencing reveals a troubling lack of transparency within the nation’s legal system.

El-Rufai Compares Sentences for Terror Suspects

During a House plenary debate on Thursday, El-Rufai pointed to a significant disparity. He referenced the recent 20-year sentence for Husseini Ismail, an Ansaru terrorist group member. This contrasted sharply with the life sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The lawmaker voiced his confusion over these differing outcomes. “There was a conviction recently of a terrorist, Boko Haram, I believe his name is Husseini Ismail. He was convicted for 20 years by a high court,” El-Rufai stated.

He continued, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was convicted, I think last week, and his own conviction was a life sentence. I don’t understand why one terrorist is getting 20 years, and the other is getting a life sentence?”

El-Rufai emphasized a perception among the public: “There’s this idea that justice is served differently, and it affects the problem.”

Urging Action on National Security Reforms

While commending President Bola Tinubu for unveiling a comprehensive national security overhaul, El-Rufai urged parliamentary vigilance. He called on the National Assembly to ensure the executive arm implements these plans with clear timelines and measurable execution strategies.

“The president has rolled out a clear plan that we commend,” El-Rufai acknowledged. “Many of my colleagues have rightly spoken about this, and I agree.”

He stressed that planning is not enough. “Our problem is not in making plans; it’s in executing them with clear timelines.” He insisted that “This parliament must insist upon those timelines based on the president’s recommendations.”

Advocating for Improved Welfare for Security Personnel

El-Rufai, son of the immediate past Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, also highlighted the critical need to improve the welfare and salaries of security personnel. He noted Nigeria’s severe understaffing in comparison to global standards.

“One police officer manages 600 Nigerians,” he explained. “The UN recommends a ratio of 1 to 400. We are understaffed.”

He acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts to address this as a short-term solution. However, he stressed the immediate necessity to “increase the basic salaries and welfare of police officers and soldiers.” El-Rufai concluded, “we must find the money to do that.”