653 Terrorism Suspects Convicted in Ongoing Mass Trials, Says AGF Fagbemi

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), says 653 suspects have been convicted in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court.

 

Fagbemi disclosed this at a press conference on Friday, stating that 1,060 suspects were scheduled to face trial during the 11th phase of the exercise, which began on October 19 and is expected to end on October 24.

 

He described the current phase as the largest since the mass trials began.

 

According to the AGF, 880 cases had been handled as of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He said the final figures would be announced after the exercise concludes.

 

“This is the third phase this year alone. But generally, this is the 11th phase. That is if you consider everything since we started,” he said.

 

“For this 11th phase… we have 1,060 suspects brought for trial. We are not through with it. As at now, as at quarter past 12 today, we have had about 880 trials. Of these 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted, 27 discharged,” Fagbemi added.

 

He attributed the progress to cooperation among the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, security agencies and other institutions involved in the proceedings.

 

The minister particularly commended the judges sitting under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who he said had been holding forth for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

 

Fagbemi also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council.

 

He said collaboration among the agencies had been crucial to the prosecution of terrorism-related offences.

 

On legal representation for the defendants, the AGF clarified that the Legal Aid Council was not the only body providing defence lawyers, noting that members of the private legal profession had also participated in the proceedings.

 

He explained that defence lawyers had engaged with suspects before their trials, including visiting detention facilities and helping them prepare their cases.

 

Fagbemi also emphasised the importance of deradicalisation in the rehabilitation of suspects who might eventually be discharged, saying the process was necessary to support their reintegration into society and reduce the risk of returning to criminal activities.

 

“Deradicalisation is an aspect of the exercise. There’s no way you can be discharged without, you know, going through that recommendation. You must be deradicalised,” he said.

 

He added that the process should help suspects reflect on the actions that led to their arrest and prepare them to resume their daily lives after returning to society.

 

“You know, what took you there in the first instance, there must be a system to let you, you know, regret the action you have taken, so that when you get back to society, you will be able to fit in the society and continue your daily life,” Fagbemi said.