Bello El-Rufai, member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North federal constituency, has raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in the sentencing of convicted terrorists in Nigeria.

Speaking during a plenary debate on Thursday, Bello questioned why a member of the Ansaru terrorist group, Husseini Ismail, received a 20-year prison term, while Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu was handed a life sentence.

“There was a conviction recently of a terrorist, Boko Haram, I believe his name is Husseini Ismail. He was convicted for 20 years by a high court. He was a Boko Haram terrorist. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was convicted, I think last week, and his own conviction was a life sentence.

I don’t understand why one terrorist gets 20 years, and the other gets life? There’s this perception that justice is applied differently, and it impacts the problem,” Bello stated, echoing points raised by fellow lawmakers.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for unveiling a comprehensive national security plan, Bello urged the National Assembly to ensure that the executive branch implements it with clear timelines and measurable results.

“The president has rolled out a clear plan that we commend. Many colleagues have spoken about this, and I agree. But the problem is not in making plans—it’s in executing them with clear timelines. This parliament must insist on accountability based on the president’s recommendations,” he said.

Bello, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, also highlighted the need to improve the welfare and salaries of security personnel, pointing out Nigeria’s understaffing compared to international standards.

“One police officer manages 600 Nigerians, while the UN recommends a ratio of 1 to 400. We are understaffed. The president has addressed this as a short-term solution.

But we must immediately increase the basic salaries and welfare of police officers and soldiers, and we must find the resources to do so,” he added.