By Martha Agas
A security expert, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, has called for the establishment of special courts to handle illegal mining cases. This is just as he traced the activities to heavy weight politicians, Rtd Generals and traditional rulers.
Jabi, the Secretary-General of the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the court, which would be similar to the concept of family courts established to handle matters relating to family and child welfare, would focus solely on illegal mining cases.
According to him, this will demonstrate the seriousness of the government in combating the crime.
He expressed concern that suspects involved in illegal mining often await trial for up to two or three years, but with the establishment of special courts, such delays could be addressed.
The expert said the courts should comprise competent judges and other staff who would handle illegal mining cases efficiently.
According to him, illegal mining is an act of economic sabotage which should not be handled with kid gloves.
“If the government is truly serious, the same level of energy, commitment and determination used to win the war against illegal crude oil theft should be applied to tackling illegal mineral exploitation on land.
“So that the government can save its resources, get its wealth and use it for the common good of the society,” he said.
He said stiffer penalties should be administered to perpetrators of illegal mining to serve as a deterrent to others.
According to him, illegal mining is a serious offence that should carry a death sentence, just like terrorism and banditry.
Jabi emphasised that the recent pardon of illegal miners might give the impression that offenders could get away with the crime which should be disabused.
NAN recalls that President Tinubu recently granted clemency to 175 persons including 41 illegal miners based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.
Sen. Ikra Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.
Jabi described illegal mining as a business of strong, heavyweight politicians, retired generals and traditional rulers who were usually perceived as above the law.
He said that exposing and punishing their acts would serve as a deterrent to others but was often truncated using political influence.
“So what deterrent are you telling others not to involve in such exercise when they know if you have your connection, you will only be there (prison) for two years and they will get you out,” he said.
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