By Suliah Lawal
The Federal Government has recorded 653 convictions in the ongoing 11th phase of mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with proceedings involving 1,060 suspects still underway.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on the exercise, which he described as the largest phase of the special terrorism trials since their commencement.
Fagbemi said that, as of noon on Friday, 880 cases had been tried, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
He explained that the figures remained provisional because the proceedings had not concluded, adding that the final statistics would be released at the end of the exercise.
The current phase is the third round of mass terrorism trials conducted by the Federal Government this year.
The AGF attributed the progress to cooperation among the judiciary, prosecution teams and security agencies, commending the judges handling the cases under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
He also acknowledged the contributions of prosecution and defence counsel, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council.
According to Fagbemi, collaboration among the institutions has been essential to the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences.
On legal representation for the defendants, the minister said the Legal Aid Council was carrying out its mandate of providing legal assistance to eligible suspects, while some defendants were represented by private legal practitioners.
He explained that defence lawyers had been consulting their clients ahead of court proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases.
Fagbemi noted that some of these activities were not open to public scrutiny because of security considerations surrounding the trials.
The AGF also highlighted the role of deradicalisation in cases where the court recommends eligible suspects for the process.
He said the objective was to help such individuals recognise and regret their actions, prepare for reintegration into society and resume their daily lives.
According to him, rehabilitation and reintegration are important complements to prosecution and punishment, particularly in efforts to reduce the risk of individuals returning to extremist activities.
Fagbemi further thanked journalists for reporting on the trials and informing the public about the Federal Government’s response to terrorism and related security challenges.
The ongoing proceedings form part of the government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability in the fight against insecurity.
