FG Resumes Mass Trial Of Terrorism Suspects In Abuja

The Federal Government has begun another round of mass trials for individuals accused of terrorism-related offences in Abuja.

It was gathered that more than 400 suspected terrorists would be arraigned simultaneously on Monday before different judges at the Federal High Court.

The prosecution team is headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, while Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, is leading the defence for suspects who cannot afford legal representation.

The defendants are facing various charges, including terrorism, financing terrorist activities, and providing support to insurgent groups.

Among the judges presiding over the cases are Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan.

The large number of cases has also disrupted the court’s regular schedule. Several matters that were initially listed for hearing have been postponed to allow the terrorism trials to proceed.

Security around the court premises has been significantly increased. Armed security personnel have blocked access to some roads leading to the complex, while military vehicles have been stationed at key locations around the area.

The latest proceedings come months after the Federal Government announced the start of the ninth phase of the mass trial of terrorism suspects.

Speaking at the time, Fagbemi revealed that the government had secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases that had been prosecuted before the courts.

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