Amnesty International, a prominent global human rights organization, has condemned the Nigerian authorities for their failure to prosecute the perpetrators responsible for the murder of Deborah Samuel, who was lynched by schoolmates over alleged blasphemy, more than a year ago.
In a statement shared on its official social media platform on Monday, Amnesty International expressed dismay over the lack of accountability for Deborah Samuel’s killers.
Despite clear evidence, including footage showing the perpetrators openly displaying their faces and even boasting about the crime, the Nigerian government has yet to bring them to justice since the tragic incident on May 12, 2022.
The organization criticized the government’s passive response to violent crimes, particularly those perpetrated in the name of religion. Amnesty International argued that the consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to address such violence effectively sends a dangerous message that individuals can commit murder with impunity.
The statement underscores growing concerns about the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for authorities to prioritize the prosecution of perpetrators and ensure justice for victims like Deborah Samuel.
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The statement read in parts; “Deborah Samuel was lynched by her school mates over alleged blasphemy on 12 May 2022 in Sokoto. More than a year after, the Nigerian authorities have failed to hold her killers to account.
“In a flagrant show of utter disdain for the sanctity of life and impunity, a video footage of a raging fire and a man facing the camera, bragging that he killed and burnt Deborah Samuel while also brandishing a matchbox was widely shared on social media.
“Consistent failure of the Nigerian government to tackle violence in the name of religion has effectively sent the message that anyone can commit outrageous abuses and get away with it. This is unacceptable,” it stated.
