The Federal government has resumed mass trials of terrorism suspects, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abu Michael.
The trials, which involve over 300 suspects, are being conducted “in line with the international criminal justice system,” Michael stated. Five judges have been appointed to preside over the courts and chambers established for this purpose.
“The ongoing trial… is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser,” Michael explained.
This development follows the December 2023 announcement by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) that the government had secured 366 convictions in the 2017 trials of Boko Haram terrorists. Fagbemi also noted that 896 suspects were discharged due to lack of evidence, while 61 cases were adjourned.
Michael further revealed that extensive preparations have been made for the current trials: “Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.”
The statement also highlighted previous successes: “Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals.”
To ensure fair representation, suspects are being defended by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. The NCTC-ONSA emphasized its commitment to the process, stating it is “working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
