Sowore Demands Arrest of Babangida Over Past Crimes

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has publicly called for the arrest and prosecution of former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida due to alleged crimes and human rights abuses committed during Babangida's regime from 1985 to 1993. Sowore made this demand in a statement on his social media on Thursday, emphasizing that Babangida's recent 85th birthday should not shield him from accountability.

He urged for an investigation into unresolved allegations of killings, corruption, and other violations linked to Babangida's administration, asserting that if evidence of criminal responsibility is found, prosecution should follow. Sowore referenced the case of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, who faced legal proceedings in his 80s, to argue that age should not confer immunity from justice.

He criticized celebrations of Babangida's birthday, stating that his legacy is damaging, and specifically mentioned the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by MKO Abiola as a significant issue that requires renewed scrutiny.