Judge criminal suspects by their conduct, not ethnic, religious background, South-West Fulani Council tells media, others
By KEMI KASUMU
The Fulani Council emphasized that criminal responsibility is personal and should be determined through due process of law.
The Council of Fulani Chiefs Distances Self from Suspects in Ogun Kidnapping Investigation
The Council of Fulani Chiefs in South-West Nigeria has distanced itself from individuals currently under investigation over alleged kidnapping activities in Ogun State, stressing that it does not support any form of criminality.
In a statement signed by His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Bambado II, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and Chairman of the Council, the group said it had taken note of recent media reports concerning the arrest and investigation of certain individuals linked to alleged kidnapping incidents in the state.
“The Council of Fulani Chiefs in South-West Nigeria has noted recent media reports regarding the arrest and investigation of certain individuals in connection with alleged kidnapping activities in Ogun State.
“As a law-abiding body representing Fulani traditional leaders across the South-West, we state unequivocally that the Council neither condones nor supports any form of criminality, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, or any activity that threatens the peace and security of our communities,” said the statement.
According to the statement, the allegations under investigation concern specific individuals and should not be used to stigmatize the wider Fulani community or its traditional institutions. The Council emphasized that criminal responsibility is personal and should be determined through due process of law.
It said, “The Council supports the efforts of security agencies to investigate criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice. We encourage all citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, or social background, to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that enhances public safety.
“We urge the public and the media to avoid generalizations that may foster ethnic profiling, division, or mistrust among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades.
“The Fulani community remains committed to peaceful coexistence, lawful economic activities, and the continued development of the South-West and Nigeria.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and lawful economic activities, the Council said the Fulani community remains dedicated to the development of the South-West and Nigeria as a whole.
It also pledged continued support for lawful measures aimed at promoting peace, security, and unity across the region.”
