FG SAYS 653 TERRORISM SUSPECTS CONVICTED IN ONGOING ABUJA TRIALS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has announced the conviction of 653 terrorism suspects during the ongoing 11th phase of terrorism trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Friday while reviewing the progress of the trials.
Fagbemi said 1,060 suspects had been brought before the court for the exercise, with 880 cases tried so far, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
He, however, noted that the exercise was still ongoing, adding that the final figures would be announced at its conclusion.
The AGF described the current phase as apparently the largest since the Federal Government began conducting special terrorism trials, attributing the progress to judicial cooperation, effective prosecution and collaboration among relevant agencies.
He expressed appreciation to the judges handling the cases, particularly 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.
Fagbemi also commended prosecution and defence counsel, as well as security and justice institutions, for their contributions to the exercise.
According to him, cooperation among the institutions has been critical to advancing the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences in the country.
On the representation of defendants by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council, the minister explained that the council was fulfilling its mandate of providing legal assistance to eligible defendants.
He clarified that some suspects were also being represented by private legal practitioners.
Fagbemi said defence lawyers had been engaging with their clients before court proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their defence.
He added that some of the preparatory activities could not be made public because of the sensitive security considerations surrounding the cases.
On deradicalisation for suspects recommended by the court, the AGF described the process as an important component of the overall exercise.
He explained that deradicalisation was intended to help eligible individuals understand and regret their actions, enabling them to reintegrate into society and resume their normal lives.
Fagbemi maintained that rehabilitation and reintegration were necessary complements to the judicial process and could help reduce the risk of individuals returning to extremist activities.
The ongoing trials form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability in its response to insecurity.
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