A prominent human rights lawyer and constitutional advocate, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning recent allegations made by social media commentator Reno Omokri, who accused Labour Party chieftain Peter Obi of “fueling terrorism and a genocide campaign against Nigeria.”
Describing the claim as reckless, unsubstantiated, and dangerous, Chief Omirhobo warned that such inflammatory accusations pose a grave threat to national security, social stability, and responsible democratic discourse.
In a press release made available to journalists in Lagos, the lawyer stated that Omokri’s allegations represent a disturbing escalation of political propaganda disguised as security intelligence, at a time when Nigeria is battling severe insecurity across multiple fronts.
No Security Agency Has Ever Linked Peter Obi to Terrorism — Omirhobo
Chief Omirhobo emphasized that none of Nigeria’s intelligence or security institutions has ever issued any report implicating Obi in terrorism-related activities.
“There is absolutely no intelligence from the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Military Intelligence, or the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) that suggests Peter Obi is involved in terrorism or any genocidal activity,” he said.
He described Omokri’s allegation as a “fabrication without basis,” adding that such false security claims can undermine national stability.
“Tying a politician’s foreign trip to rising insecurity is intellectually dishonest. Nigeria’s security crisis stems from Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, rogue militias, and systemic policing failures — not from opposition politicians travelling abroad,” he observed.
Terrorism Allegations Require Evidence — Not Political Rhetoric
Drawing attention to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Chief Omirhobo explained that any terrorism allegation must be backed by verifiable evidence such as:
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Financial trails
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Communication logs
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Operational linkages
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Material support
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Intelligence corroboration
“Mr. Omokri provided none of these. His claims are not only unprofessional but dangerously irresponsible,” he said.
According to Omirhobo, the law is clear that terrorism allegations are criminal, not political, and must never be trivialised for online attention or partisan agitation.
Weaponising National Security Is Dangerous
Chief Omirhobo warned that reckless political accusations endanger the country, fuel mistrust in state institutions, and distract security agencies from real threats.
“In a nation struggling with terrorism, extremism, and kidnappings, such malicious allegations can sow confusion and embolden violent groups,” he stated.
He condemned what he described as the “weaponisation of insecurity for cheap political relevance,” stressing that national security issues must always be handled with the highest level of integrity and patriotism.
“Terrorism is a national emergency. It must not be exploited for partisan propaganda,” he added.
Omokri Given 48 Hours to Provide Proof or Apologise
Chief Omirhobo issued a direct challenge, demanding that Omokri either:
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Present concrete evidence linking Peter Obi to terrorism within 48 hours,
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Publicly retract the allegation and apologise for misleading Nigerians.
“Anything short of this is a deliberate act of misinformation against the Nigerian state,” he warned.
He further noted that spreading false terrorism allegations is itself a threat to national cohesion and could attract legal consequences.
Calls for Responsible Conduct by Public Figures
Omirhobo urged politicians, activists, and influencers to exercise restraint, reminding them that their words carry significant weight in a country already grappling with ethnic tension, political polarization, and widespread insecurity.
“Inflammatory rhetoric only strengthens terrorists and weakens national unity,” he said.
He maintained that national security discussions must be grounded in facts, intelligence, and responsible communication—not conspiracy theories or partisan attacks.
Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo’s statement underscores the seriousness of unfounded terrorism allegations in Nigeria’s fragile security environment. His warning serves as a reminder that political actors and commentators must uphold national interest and avoid reckless claims that could inflame tensions, damage reputations, or destabilize the country.
He concluded:
“The Nigerian public deserves facts, not fiction. Security discourse must be guided by evidence, not sentiment.”
Signed:
Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo
Human Rights Lawyer & Constitutional Advocate
