A High Court of Plateau State sitting in Jos has ruled that state High Courts have jurisdiction to try persons accused of terrorism and terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Gatekeepers News reports that the ruling, delivered on Tuesday, came in a case linked to the Angwa Rukuba massacre in Plateau State and could have wider implications for the prosecution of terrorism cases across Nigeria.
The court’s decision challenges the long-standing understanding that terrorism offences fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
The court held that the provisions of the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act do not prevent State High Courts from exercising jurisdiction over terrorism-related offences.
The ruling was made while considering proceedings involving a terrorism suspect connected to the Angwa Rukuba attack. The court also rejected a request seeking the transfer of the suspect from the custody of the Department of State Services.
The decision is significant because it could allow state courts to handle terrorism prosecutions arising from attacks within their respective jurisdictions, potentially easing the burden on Federal High Courts and speeding up trials.
The Angwa Rukuba massacre was among a series of deadly attacks that heightened concerns over insecurity in Plateau State, with authorities pursuing suspects over alleged involvement in the violence.
The ruling is expected to generate further legal debate over the interpretation of Nigeria’s terrorism legislation and the respective jurisdictions of State and Federal High Courts.
