Hon. Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has raised concerns over what he described as unequal justice in Nigeria’s handling of high-profile terrorism cases.

Speaking during a plenary session, El-Rufai questioned why Hussaini Ismail, a recently convicted Boko Haram member, received a 20-year sentence, while IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was handed life imprisonment just a week earlier.

“I don’t understand why one terrorist gets 20 years and the other gets life. There’s this idea that justice is served differently, and it affects the problem,” he said, echoing concerns raised by other lawmakers.

El-Rufai warned that such inconsistencies could exacerbate Nigeria’s fragile security situation, feeding public perception that the judicial system treats groups and regions unequally.

Calls for Stronger Security Execution

Backing President Tinubu’s recently announced security plan, the lawmaker stressed that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in announcements, but in effective execution with clear timelines.

He also called for an immediate increase in the salaries and welfare of police officers and soldiers, highlighting that the current policing ratio—one officer for every 600 Nigerians—is far below the UN-recommended 1:400.

“We must find the money to fix this,” El-Rufai said.

He reiterated his advocacy for decentralised policing, arguing that Abuja cannot efficiently coordinate security operations in remote communities.

“We cannot be sitting in Abuja and expecting operations to be efficient in Benue. We have to go back to communal policing. Traditional leaders must be involved,” he said, urging the National Assembly to expedite constitutional reforms on state police.

El-Rufai dismissed fears that governors would abuse the system, asserting, “They already have all the power.”

Addressing Youth Neglect and Crime

In a candid admission, the lawmaker said northern Nigeria has failed its youth, leaving many vulnerable to crime and radicalisation. He cited trending videos of bandits flaunting cash as a dangerous influence on idle youths seeking quick wealth.

“We are not sending our children to school. Young people have no employment and no skills because we have neglected them for years,” he lamented.

Political Accountability

El-Rufai concluded with a stark indictment of Nigeria’s political class:

“We can talk about FDI and investments, but we are failing in our primary duty, to protect the people we serve.”

He urged the House to implement transparent, digitised recruitment into security agencies, prioritising competent, motivated young Nigerians.

“We rely on you, Mr. Speaker, and the constitutional review committee. Roll out state police in this country,” he added.