The Federal Government has secured about 150 convictions within the first two days of the latest phase of terrorism trials being conducted at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the court premises, saying the ongoing exercise had recorded significant progress since proceedings began on Monday.
According to the minister, about 160 terrorism-related cases were heard on the first day of the trial phase, resulting in approximately 150 convictions.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that the legal process was still ongoing, with more cases scheduled for hearing as the courts continue to handle the large number of terrorism-related matters brought before them.
Fagbemi said nearly 300 cases were listed before the courts on Tuesday, adding that additional matters were expected to be concluded before the end of proceedings.
“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he stated.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain patient as the judicial process continues, stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that justice is delivered through lawful and transparent procedures.
He said the trials demonstrate the administration’s resolve to address terrorism and other security threats through legal means while ensuring that individuals found responsible are held accountable.
Fagbemi had earlier described the exercise as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials carried out since the current administration assumed office.
“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,” he said.
The ongoing proceedings are being conducted simultaneously by 10 judges of the Federal High Court sitting in different courtrooms in Abuja.
Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.
While Fagbemi is leading the prosecution team, the defence is being coordinated by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar.
The current phase of the terrorism trials is expected to continue until Thursday, although officials said the broader exercise will run for one week.
The mass trials form part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen the legal response to insecurity challenges across Nigeria.
