A Nigerian lawyer and political analyst, Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has criticized what he calls a “two-tiered justice system” in Nigeria, following the life imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Omirhobo highlighted the apparent contradiction between Kanu’s prosecution and the freedom enjoyed by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who openly negotiates with armed bandits, defends terrorist actions publicly, and serves as a mediator for armed groups—all without facing police investigation or legal consequences.

“This is not rule of law. This is rule by selective discretion,” Omirhobo stated, emphasizing that Sections 17, 36, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee equality before the law, protection from discrimination, and due process for all citizens.

He contrasted the treatment of the two men:

• Nnamdi Kanu: Arrested through extraordinary rendition, denied consistent legal access for years, tried, convicted, and imprisoned for allegedly making inflammatory broadcasts.
• Sheikh Ahmad Gumi: Freely enters terrorist camps, meets criminals responsible for mass killings and kidnappings, publicly defends them, and remains uninvestigated or prosecuted.

Omirhobo argued that if inflammatory speech can be deemed terrorism, then Gumi’s direct engagement and advocacy for armed groups represent far graver offences. He called on the Federal Government, Attorney-General, DSS, and Nigeria Police Force to apply the law uniformly, investigate Gumi’s actions, and end the culture of selective prosecution.

“A nation cannot claim to be fighting insecurity while protecting those who fraternize with the authors of national sorrow,” he said. “Justice must be equal, uniform, and blind. Anything less is injustice.”