Hayatu-Deen Promises Life Imprisonment for Terrorism

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced that if elected president in 2027, he would implement life imprisonment for terrorism-related crimes. In a statement issued on Tuesday, he vowed to establish a specialized court for terrorism cases and reform intelligence coordination among security agencies.

Hayatu-Deen pointed out the link between insecurity and economic stability in Nigeria, noting that when farmers cannot access their fields, food prices rise, and when traders cannot transport goods, the cost of living increases. He warned that young men facing unemployment are often recruited into criminal networks.

He criticized the current administration for its handling of insecurity, citing ongoing attacks that have resulted in numerous deaths in Plateau and Benue States. Hayatu-Deen called for a decisive approach to terrorism, stating that charges would carry life imprisonment rather than light sentences, which he believes contribute to a backlog in the judiciary.