Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Nigerian government to refund ransom payments made by families of kidnapped citizens. Speaking on Wednesday, November 25, 2025, Falana argued that the government has failed in its constitutional duty to protect citizens, making it responsible for compensating families forced to pay ransoms.
Falana criticized the inconsistent response of authorities to kidnapping incidents, noting that while high-profile individuals often receive rapid government intervention, ordinary citizens are frequently left to negotiate with criminals and pay ransoms themselves. He described this approach as both a moral and constitutional failure.
Referencing the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Falana emphasized that citizens are entitled to life, dignity, and security. He encouraged victims’ families to pursue legal action against the government to recover ransom payments, highlighting the state’s responsibility in safeguarding its people.
Statistics underscore the severity of the crisis: the National Bureau of Statistics reports that Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, during over 2.2 million kidnapping incidents. Falana’s call has also been supported by Nigerian musician and activist Falz, who demands transparency and accountability in the handling of kidnappings and rescues.
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