FG resumes mass trial of terrorism suspects

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated in December 2023 that the Federal Government secured 366 convictions in the trial of Boko Haram terrorists conducted in 2017.

In addition, he said 896 suspects were discharged for lack of evidence, while 61 other cases were adjourned for further hearing.

In December 2023, the FG also secured the conviction of four Boko Haram financiers.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael said the trial would be conducted in line with the international criminal justice system.

Michael stated that at least 300 suspects are on trial, with five judges presiding over the five courts and chambers established for the swift administration of justice.

He added that the suspects were being represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

Michael said, “In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the Federal Government has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.

“The ongoing trial, which is in line with the international criminal justice system, is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser.

“More than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.

“The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.”
Michael also noted that 800 cases had been reviewed, and charges had been prepared for thorough prosecution.

He said, “Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.

“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals. Non-culpable suspects are being deradicalised, and engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.

“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”