The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, on Wednesday announced the resumption of mass trials for terrorism suspects in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,Lateef Fagbemi a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, disclosed that in December 2023, the Federal Government had achieved 366 convictions from the 2017 trials of Boko Haram terrorists.
He also mentioned that 896 suspects were released due to insufficient evidence, with 61 cases adjourned for further hearings. Additionally, four Boko Haram financiers were convicted in December 2023.
In a statement by the Head of Strategic Communication for NCTC-ONSA,Abu Michael, it was revealed that these trials would adhere to the international criminal justice system.
Michael stated that over 300 suspects are currently on trial, with five judges presiding over five courts and chambers to ensure swift justice.
He emphasized that the suspects have legal representation from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
Michael explained, “In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the Federal Government has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.
“The ongoing trial, which is in line with the international criminal justice system, is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser.
“More than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.
“The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.”
He also highlighted that 800 cases had been reviewed, with charges prepared for prosecution.
Michael added, “Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals. Non-culpable suspects are being deradicalised, and engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.
“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
