BEVERLY HILLS, September 05, (THEWILL) – As controversy rages over the allegations against Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) by Australian hostage negotiator, Dr. Steven Davis, on Boko Haram sponsorship, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Friday disclosed that it would send nothing less than 50 lawyers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Switzerland, for the trial of both Sherrif and Ihejirika if the Federal Government fails to act on the matter within 21 days.

Issuing the 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to act on the matter at a media briefing in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the chairman of Maiduguri branch of NBA, Abdulwasiu Alfa, said the association had assembled more than 50 lawyers who have volunteered to go to ICC to prosecute the case.

“If the Nigerian Government fails to thoroughly investigate the duo of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and Rtd. Gen. Ihejirika, we shall mobilise our knowledge, skills and resources to initiate or commence criminal proceedings before the ICC for the heinous crimes committed against humanity by the sect and their sponsors.

“No Nigerian is above the law as justice must not only be seen to be done but must be manifestly seen to be done. Let me assure the good people of Borno State that the NBA Maiduguri branch will stand firmly and solidly behind them to ensure that those who made orphans and widows of us are sent to where they belong, ” Alfa stated.

He warned that the association will initiate criminal proceedings before the ICC against the duo if the Federal Government fails to act within 21 days.

“The Federal Government should act now. If it fails, we shall, after 21 days from today, give effect to our undertaking to initiate criminal proceedings before the office of the chief prosecutor of ICC to investigate these allegations. We strongly believe only a court can declare a person innocent or guilty. This can only be done when such person is properly investigated and possibly arraigned before a court,” he said.

While calling on all relevant security agencies and stakeholders to as a matter of urgency beam their searchlight on Sheriff Ihejirika, Alfa said: “The NBA believes the mention of the duo was not a co-incidence considering the robust relationship between them. If anything, the revelation by Mr. Davis has confirmed the long conclusion by Nigerians involvement of Sen. Sheriff as the sponsor, facilitator and mastermind of Boko Haram sect.

“Little wonder, that only recently he was at the Presidential Villa to intimate the Presidency on how to end the insurgency. This is not only a corroboration of Mr. Davis revelation but an indirect admission of culpability.”

He added: “What men do in the cover of night surely come to light? The revelation of Mr. Davis is just the beginning. The Federal Government should act now. If it fails, we shall, after 21 days from today (Friday), give effect to our undertaking to initiate criminal proceedings before the office of the chief prosecutor of ICC to investigate these allegations.

“We strongly believe only a court can declare a person innocent or guilty. This can only be done when such person is properly investigated and possibly arraigned before a court. Already, more than 50 private lawyers have volunteered their services pro bono in support of this noble cause. We are confident, the Federal Government and relevant and relevant security agencies will act now.”

The NBA chairman however praised the Federal Government for the zeal with which it fought the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying such zeal should also be extended to the terror war in the country.

- See more at: http://thewillnigeria.com/news/boko-haram-nba-issues-21-day-ultimatum-to-fg-prepares-50-lawyers-for-sheriff-ihejirikas-trial-at-icc/#sthash.MwpM65XB.dpuf

Seriously how can the NBA take Davies serious? If they had their own facts, that will be different, but acting on the comment of one man is confusing. Is it because he is white? Or I really don't get. BH ain't daft, and this is exactly what they want. Confuse and direct the attention of the Nation away...

My submission: If the Federal Government don't act before 21 days, let the Maiduguri branch of the NBA head to ICC and produce their own evidence against the accused if they have one... case close!!!

Gbam,,,

the late NSA adviser said PDP is boko haram...so the present govt cant solve the boko haram issue...cos they created the monster

Is it not up to 21 days yet.what is APC wing of nba still waiting for

hmmm...

Freest:
Seriously how can the NBA take Davies serious? If they had their own facts, that will be different, but acting on the comment of one man is confusing. Is it because he is white? Or I really don't get. BH ain't daft, and this is exactly what they want. Confuse and direct the attention of the Nation away...

You are product of this waste government therefore I don't expect less from you. If your government fail to arrest sheriff and ikherija taking them to international law is the best. Nigeria is now subject to all terrorist tactics because some fools benefit from it. Let there be a person to serve as lesson to others.

He is being protected by Mr. President.