BREAKING: FG condemns Amotekun, says it is Illegal

The federal government has tagged the newly established south-west police outfit “Amotekun”, as illegal.

Governors of the south-west states had notes that the militia group was designed to combat the brewing security challenges in the region.

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, in his remark on Tuesday said security is strictly on the exclusive list of the federal government.

“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 which Umar Gwandu, his spokesman, issued on his behalf.

“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.”