Senior lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on Nigerians who have paid ransom to kidnappers or bandits to take legal action against the Federal Government to demand reimbursement. Speaking at the opening of the Legal Year at the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Law, Falana cited the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing the government’s duty to protect the lives of its citizens.

Falana criticized the government for responding swiftly to abductions of high-profile individuals while ordinary citizens are often left to negotiate their own release. He argued that such inaction constitutes a breach of constitutional obligations.

“I have suggested that citizens abducted by bandits, whose families are forced to pay ransom, have the right to go to court and demand a refund from the government,” Falana said. “It is the duty of the government to protect every life. Ordinary Nigerians deserve the same protection as judges, ministers, or former ministers.”

Security experts warn that kidnapping has become a highly organized and profitable crime in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024, Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, with over 2.2 million incidents reported nationwide. The survey indicated an average ransom of N2.7 million per case.

Falana’s call seeks to assert citizens’ rights and compel the government to take stronger measures against the growing kidnapping crisis.