FG Promises To Resume Trial Of Boko Haram Suspects

The Federal Government has assured it will soon resume the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects in Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State.

Naija News recalls that the Nigerian government had in 2017 commenced trial of some persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents.

The proceedings of the case were held at a military base in Niger state.

However, the United Nations had at the time, raised concerns on human rights issues in relation to the accused.

The spokesman for the UN high commissioner for human rights, Rupert Colville had said in a statement that the UN welcomed the decision of the Nigerian authorities to start the trials of Boko Haram suspects, many of whom have been in prolonged pre-trial detention, including some since 2009.

It, however, said that given the number of people who are due to be tried at the time, numbering about 2,300, it is concerned that the conduct of the proceedings may deny the defendants the right to a fair trial and an effective defence.

“The accused, who have all been charged under Nigeria’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, are being tried individually or in groups depending on the nature of their alleged crimes,” the UN secretary questioned.

Speaking, however, on the lingering trial, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF Abubakar Malami on Tuesday said the federal government will resume the prosecution very soon.

Naija News reports that Malami said this while receiving Eniola Ajayi, Nigerian ambassador to the kingdom of the Netherlands yesterday.

Malami said steps are being taken to ensure the continuation of the trials in Niger state.

A statement issued by Umar Gwandu, media aide to Malami, quoted the AGF as saying that Nigeria has cooperated fully with the ICC through the submission of relevant documents on the conduct of the trials.

“With due diligence to Nigeria’s mandate under Article 86 of the Rome Statute of ICC, Nigeria cooperated fully with the court through submission of relevant documents, reports of panels of enquiry,” he said.

The AGF commended Ajayi for her efforts and patriotism, adding that a committee has already been established for the domestication of the Rome statute in Nigeria.

On her part, Ajayi promised to rededicate efforts to make a positive impact in the discharge of her duties.