FG begins trial of over 600 terrorism suspects

The Federal Government has commenced another phase of mass trials involving more than 600 suspected terrorists facing terrorism-related charges in Abuja.

 

The week-long proceedings, which began on Monday, are being conducted simultaneously in several Federal High Courtrooms, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), leading the prosecution. The defence is headed by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar.

 

Speaking at the commencement of the trials, Fagbemi said the exercise reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle terrorism and ensure the safety of Nigerians.

 

He said the current exercise is the fourth phase of terrorism trials under the present administration, stressing that terrorism in any form would not be tolerated.

 

According to the Attorney-General, about 490 suspects are being tried in the first batch, while another 84 will face trial, in addition to 102 cases carried over from the previous phase, bringing the total to over 600.

 

The latest proceedings come barely two months after about 500 suspected terrorists were tried in Abuja between April 7 and 10.

 

Meanwhile, two suspects were convicted on Monday after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences.

 

Justice Binta Nyako sentenced Ali Mustapha, a 55-year-old farmer from Borno State, to 15 years imprisonment for concealing information about Boko Haram activities. The sentence takes effect from 2013, when he was arrested.

 

In a separate judgment, the court sentenced Isa Isiaka to 20 years imprisonment after he admitted failing to disclose information about Boko Haram activities to the authorities. The court imposed the sentence without the option of a fine.