The Federal Government on Tuesday has declared the Western Nigeria Security Network (Operation Amotekun) as illegal.
The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Tuesday said the forming of Amotekun contravenes the Nigerian constitution.
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“The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law,” Malami said in the statement issued by Umar Gwandu, his spokesman.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the army, navy and air force, including the police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.
“As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.
“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorising the police and other Federal
Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.”
Recall that the 6 South Western States of Launched a system of security code named Amotekun with 120 patrol vehicles and mixed reactions have trailed the action, with Nigerians divided on the sustainability of sanity of such operation, and its legality.
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