It is no longer news that about 47 boko haram suspects have been transferred to Ekwuluobia Minimum Prison in Anambra State. Likewise,it is no longer a secret that this act has heightened the fear and anxiety in the citizenry of the said state,and gradually spilling over to the neighbouring states in the region. Now,the transfer of these dangerous religious bigots has raised so many questions begging for answers-: What is the motive behind this move ? Is the APC's sensitivity still reliable ?? Who sanctioned the transfer ?? Was due proccess followed ? Was the security of this community taken into consideration Etcetera...

The real motif behind this action has remained unclear. Some people are of the opinion that this is a clear ploy to spread terrorism in the country. Inasmuch as this claim cannot be verified,but considering the cases of incessant prison breaks in the country,this accusation cannot be easily waved aside.
For a country that is renowned for its ethnic and religious diversities,the government of the day cannot afford to be insensitive to issues of this nature. At inception,the party was viewed by some as having an islamic agenda,which it tried to debunk by selecting a pastor as vice president. However.this issue brought back that long held fear,but the APC spokesman (Anambra chapter) came out to deny initially that no Boko haram detainees are being transferred to the state. Alas the reverse was the case,thus giving the ruling party a credibility dent. The question now is Who sanctioned the transfer of these detainees ? and was due process followed ?? ( Just asking ).
What of the security implication of this act. The Ekwulobia prison is a mininum security prison located in the middle of a densely populated community surrounded by tertiary institutions. It is obvious that this place is inapropriate for inmates of high security risk. There is not enough military presence incase there is a 'prison break',an act peculiar to the insurgents.
Legally,does the courts in the state has the jurispundence to try these people for offences committed outside their jurisdiction ? I don't think the answer is positive.
From whatever perspective one may try to look at this issue,it belabours the obvious that this singular action deserves rounded condemnation and should be reversed as soon as practicable to forestall the degeneration of security crisis. The Federal government already has enough problems to contend with in the Nigerian polity,and should not create more problems for itself. A stitch in time,they say,saves nine.

Fabulous PeterCanisius Chimaobi. (Political and Diplomatic analyst) Writes from Abia State.

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