By Ado Oyeyemi
The Federal Government has recorded about 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest round of terrorism trials, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.
Fagbemi made the revelation while addressing journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where multiple terrorism-related cases are being heard simultaneously before 10 judges.
According to the minister, the latest phase of the mass trials commenced on Monday and has already yielded significant results, with approximately 160 cases heard on the opening day and around 150 convictions secured.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that proceedings continued on Tuesday with about 300 cases scheduled before the courts, while an additional 84 matters were expected to be concluded before the end of the day.
The AGF noted that the exercise would continue through Wednesday and Thursday as authorities intensify efforts to conclude pending terrorism cases.
“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he stated.
Fagbemi urged Nigerians to remain patient as the trials progress, describing the exercise as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding justice, accountability and the rule of law.
He reiterated that the ongoing proceedings represent the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials conducted under the current administration, stressing that the government remains resolute in its fight against terrorism and related crimes.
“The message is clear and straightforward. The present administration is not treating the issue of terrorism lightly.
Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase we are undertaking. Terrorism in whatever form will not be tolerated,” he said.
The prosecution team is being led by the Attorney-General, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.
Among the judges presiding over the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with hearings taking place across several courtrooms at the Federal High Court.
The current phase of the terrorism trials is expected to continue until Thursday, while the overall exercise is scheduled to last for one week.
The latest proceedings come months after another round of mass terrorism trials held between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 suspected terrorists were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
