FG Secures 150 Convictions In Fresh Terrorism Trials

The Federal Government has secured about 150 convictions in the first two days of the latest phase of its mass terrorism trials.

Naija News reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being held simultaneously before 10 judges.

Fagbemi said the current phase of the exercise, which began on Monday, had recorded about 160 trials on the first day, resulting in roughly 150 convictions.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi said.

The minister added that proceedings on Tuesday brought about 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.

Fagbemi appealed to Nigerians to be patient as the trials continued, saying the exercise underscored the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

FG Warns Terrorists

On Monday, the AGF said the ongoing phase was the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the present administration.

He described the exercise as a clear warning that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi said.

The prosecution is led by Fagbemi, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

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

The proceedings are taking place across several courtrooms at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The current phase of the trials is expected to continue through Thursday, while the overall exercise is scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase followed a previous round held between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court in Abuja.