Mr. Femi Falana SAN, a human rights activist has faulted the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, insisting that Nigerians have the right to bear arms in self-defence.
Coming on the heels of the Christmas Eve massacre of some residents of in Plateau State, the COAS had said Nigerians have no right to bear arms.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Breakfast, on Wednesday, Mr. Falana said Nigerians needed to obtain a licence to bear arms.
“In the first place, it is not correct to say Nigerians have no right to bear arms. Apart from the fact that the penal code applicable in the North and the criminal code applicable in the South recognises the right to self-defence,” the senior counsel said.
“In other words, if someone aims a gun at me, and I can quickly grab another gun, I have the right to shoot. But you are required to apply for the licence first.
“I am just talking of the right to self-defence which is also guaranteed by the Constitution.”
