The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the arrest of former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo.

HURIWA believes that Asari has done enough to deserve prosecution by the authorities or, at the very least, an open investigation to determine the legality of his actions.

The rights group noted that during Asari’s visit to President Bola Tinubu after he won the 2023 presidential election, he gave a sensational interview admitting to running a private army.

Daily Post reports that during the interview, Dokubo claimed that he undertook assignments for the Federal Government to combat terrorists in the North and carried out operations in the South-East.

Hence, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA questioned how a private individual could be allowed to operate a private army, which is unconstitutional in Nigeria.

The rights association urged the government to investigate the allegations “that some of the killings in the South-East during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari were carried out by Dokubo’s so-called private army”.

HURIWA said it was “particularly concerned about the video footage showing Dokubo brandishing sophisticated military-grade weapons, which no private individual in Nigeria is legally permitted to possess”.

“Despite these serious allegations, there has been no action taken by the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security outfit,” it added.

HURIWA said it was alarmed that the Army and the Police “continue to parade individuals purportedly arrested as IPOB members, yet there has been no transparent disclosure regarding how many of these individuals have been successfully prosecuted”.

The rights group demanded answers “on how many of those arrested have been tried, convicted, or are still in detention. Moreover, HURIWA questioned whether there is any substantial proof linking the mainstream IPOB loyal to Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained for an extended period, to the killings”.

HURIWA reiterated its belief that Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is illegal, arguing that the government has failed to provide any evidence linking him to the violence in the South-East.

The group drew a parallel between Kanu’s case and that of a Miyetti Allah leader who was arrested and later released by the government, despite facing charges in court.

“The Federal Government’s sudden withdrawal of charges and release of the Miyetti Allah leader raises questions about the selective application of justice,” it added.

The association called for an independent and transparent investigation into the killings in the South-East to ascertain the true identities of the perpetrators.

The group said it “believes that only an international body like the UNHRC can conduct an impartial investigation that will hold those responsible accountable for their actions”.

HURIWA also demanded the immediate release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.