Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies, Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, tells DARE AKOGUN why Nigeria should reject amnesty for captured terrorists, insisting that repentance does not erase criminal liability. He explains the Islamic position on forgiveness, advocates special courts for terrorism and kidnapping cases, and argues that justice, not rehabilitation, remains the surest path to lasting peace
Security agencies have repeatedly suggested that repentant bandits and terrorists who surrender should be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, but you have strongly opposed this. Why?
I do not support that proposal at all. It is morally wrong and deeply unjust. Anyone who has engaged in kidnapping, banditry, or terrorism has committed grave crimes against innocent Nigerians. Such people do not deserve rehabilitation; they deserve justice.
From the perspective of Islam, those who wage violent aggression against society through kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, or terrorism fall under the provisions of Qur’an Chapter 5, Verse 33, which prescribes severe punishment for those who spread violence and corruption on earth.
The Qur’an states that the recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is severe punishment. That reflects how seriously Islam views crimes that threaten public safety.
