Amotekun Is Illegal Under Nigerian Law - FG

In recent news, the Federal Government has described the newly launched South-West security outfit
codenamed, Amotekun as illegal.

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation, (SAN), who is the chief law officer, said security has and will always be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government.

 In a statement signed by Dr. Umar Gwandu, the Special Adviser to the AGF on Media and Public Relations, he said the outfit was illegal.

Part of the statement read;

"The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the army, navy and air force, including the police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.

“As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.

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“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended) authorising the police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.”

A few days ago, The Yoruba States' Joint Police Force established by the South-West to protect the region from kidnapping and other forms of crime tookoff.

At the height of serious security challenge in the region, 'Amotekun', the joint security outfit was actually conceived in July 2019. But its commencement was delayed due to a few hitches in the recruitment of personnel and the need to review operation guidelines.