The Federal Government has secured 653 convictions in the ongoing 11th phase of terrorism trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on the proceedings.
According to Fagbemi, 1,060 suspects were brought before the court for the exercise, with 880 cases tried as of Friday. The proceedings have so far resulted in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
He said the trials were still ongoing and that the final figures would be announced at the conclusion of the exercise.
Fagbemi 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.
The AGF 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.
He also commended prosecution and defence counsel, as well as security and justice institutions, for their contributions to the proceedings.
According to him, cooperation among the institutions has been critical to advancing the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences in the country.
Legal Aid, Defence Representation
Addressing concerns about the representation of defendants by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council, Fagbemi said 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.
The AGF said defence lawyers had been engaging with their clients before court proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their defence.
He noted, however, that some of these preparatory activities could not be subjected to public scrutiny because of the sensitive security considerations surrounding the cases.
FG Highlights Deradicalisation, Reintegration
Fagbemi also emphasised the importance of deradicalisation for suspects recommended by the court, describing it as a key component of the broader response to terrorism.
He explained that the process was designed to help eligible individuals understand and regret their actions, enabling them to reintegrate into society and resume their daily lives.
According to him, rehabilitation and reintegration are 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 across the country.
