FG Secures 653 Terrorism Convictions in Abuja Mass Trial

The Federal Government has secured the conviction of 653 defendants charged with terrorism-related offences in the ongoing mass trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed this to journalists after observing some proceedings on Friday.

Fagbemi said about 880 cases had been determined since the latest phase of the trial commenced, with seven defendants acquitted and 27 discharged.

“As of 12:15 p.m. today, we have had about 880 trials. Of this 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted and 27 discharged,” he said.

He, however, noted that the exercise was still ongoing, adding that the final figures would be announced at the conclusion of the proceedings.

The minister described the latest phase as one of the largest since the mass trials began, attributing the progress to the cooperation and guidance of the judges handling the cases.

He commended the judiciary, prosecution and defence counsel, relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

Fagbemi also dismissed suggestions that journalists had been barred from covering the trials, insisting that the government had nothing to conceal.

He explained that the security measures put in place were necessary because of the sensitive nature of terrorism cases.

According to him, journalists who properly identify themselves are allowed into the courtrooms, as the government recognises the media’s role in promoting justice and public accountability.

“Nothing sinister is intended. It is in the interest of everybody. You cannot just allow anybody to come in, but if you are able to identify yourself, they will let you in, especially members of the fourth estate of the realm because we need you,” he said.

The AGF also clarified that the defence teams were not made up exclusively of lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

He said independent lawyers from the private bar had also participated in the proceedings and represented some of the defendants.

Fagbemi explained that defence counsel usually visited the detention facility to interact with their clients before accepting briefs, to ensure adequate preparation for their defence.

He further disclosed that deradicalisation was part of the exercise, stressing that discharged defendants would undergo the recommended process to support their reintegration into society.

The mass trial, which commenced on October 16, is being conducted simultaneously in different courtrooms before at least 10 judges.

The exercise is aimed at speeding up the prosecution of terrorism-related offences and reducing the backlog of pending cases.