Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has strongly criticized the Nigerian justice and security systems for allegedly releasing arrested kidnappers despite the severity of their crimes.
In a passionate statement shared on social media, Gwamnishu condemned what he described as a “madness” within the system that arrests armed kidnappers only to later set them free “in the name of settlement or order from above.”
So what’s the essence of going after kidnappers if, at the end of the day, they’ll still be released?” he asked. “What kind of madness is that? Armed kidnappers who terrorize innocent Nigerians, snatch people from buses and homes, and dump them in the bush are being set free as if nothing happened!”
The activist, known for his advocacy on justice reform and victims’ rights, lamented that the practice undermines the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and the pain of victims.
“It means every drop of blood shed, every tear cried, every sleepless night families endured is for nothing,” he said. “The system that should protect us now pampers those who inflict pain and death on others.”
Gwamnishu further argued that the lack of accountability and punishment for violent offenders emboldens criminals and weakens public trust in the justice system.
“This is why kidnapping will never stop — because there’s no real consequence. The victims suffer, the criminals smile, and those in authority act blind,” he stated.
He warned that unless government agencies uphold justice without compromise, Nigerians may lose faith completely in the nation’s security and legal institutions.
Harrison Gwamnishu is widely recognized for his work in human rights advocacy and prisoner rehabilitation, and has often used his platform to speak against police brutality, injustice, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
