Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has declared his intention to take legal action against former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), over alleged human rights violations, economic mismanagement, and political injustices perpetrated during his rule. Speaking with The Beacon, Falana accused Babangida of overseeing a regime marked by repression, economic crimes, and the annulment of Nigeria’s most credible election.
According to Falana, Babangida’s recently published autobiography is an attempt to rewrite history, but the realities of his military rule remain undeniable. “The book did not aim to reflect Nigeria’s history under his rule. It was a ploy to manipulate the collective intelligence of Nigerians, but history has already recorded the infamy of Babangida’s junta,” he asserted.
Recalling his personal experience, Falana described his detention under Babangida’s government as one of the darkest periods of his life. “After overthrowing the Buhari military regime in August 1985, Babangida released me from custody. However, eight years later, he left me in detention until the interim national government of Ernest Shonekan set me free on August 31, 1993. I was arrested, detained, and charged with treasonable felony but never convicted,” he recounted.
Falana criticized the presence of some members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) at Babangida’s book launch, stating that many of them had previously served in various capacities under the former military ruler. He also dismissed claims that former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s statement—suggesting that Babangida was Bola Tinubu’s political tormentor—was historically accurate, arguing that NADECO members were not subjected to the same level of persecution as human rights activists, lecturers, and labour leaders.
On his decision to sue Babangida, Falana maintained that military coups are treasonable offences, and those responsible must be held accountable. He accused Babangida of sabotaging Nigeria’s political transition, violating human rights, and engaging in financial misconduct. “Babangida and his comrades overthrew a democratically elected government in 1983, staged another coup in 1985, and proceeded to wreck the economy with the IMF-imposed Structural Adjustment Programme,” he stated.
The legal luminary also linked Babangida to high-profile assassinations and disappearances, including the killing of investigative journalist Dele Giwa. “The ECOWAS Court has established that a state that fails to investigate the killing of a citizen is liable. There is overwhelming evidence that Babangida’s regime not only obstructed the investigation into Giwa’s murder but also blocked Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, from prosecuting the suspected killers,” he revealed.
Falana expressed confidence in the legal process, disclosing that progressive lawyers and human rights organizations, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, are backing the case. He also emphasized that documents proving Babangida’s involvement in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election had been compiled and would be tendered in court. “Babangida’s claim that Abacha annulled the election is an insult to the collective intelligence of Nigerians. He must take full responsibility for his actions,” he insisted.
The activist further accused Babangida of looting public funds, citing the Pius Okigbo panel report, which exposed the disappearance of $12.4 billion from Nigeria’s dedicated accounts between 1988 and 1994. “That money could have provided uninterrupted electricity, potable water, and eradicated poverty, but it was squandered,” Falana lamented.
Beyond Babangida, Falana called for urgent electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of results and the establishment of an electoral offences commission to prosecute electoral violators. He also criticized the continued political influence over the judiciary, warning that true democracy cannot thrive unless the judiciary is financially independent.
On police brutality, he urged the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Establishment Act, which mandate regular inspections of detention facilities and the appointment of legal monitors to prevent human rights abuses. “If these laws are enforced, illegal arrests and detentions will cease,” he noted.
Falana also expressed concern over the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile due to poor governance and the ruling elite’s authoritarian tendencies. “ECOWAS is on the brink of collapse, with four of its member states under military rule, and others sliding into dictatorship. Sadly, President Tinubu has not been able to call these leaders to order because of the ongoing push to turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” he warned.
Despite these challenges, Falana remains resolute in his pursuit of justice for victims of Babangida’s regime. “We have the evidence, and we shall not relent until justice is served,” he vowed.
