FG confirms prosecution of 500 suspected terrorists in phase 9 mass trial

The Federal Government has confirmed the prosecution of 500 suspected terrorists in the ongoing Phase 9 of a mass trial, part of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity across the Country.

Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, SAN, made this disclosure on Tuesday after leading a team of Government lawyers to the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, where he appeared as prosecution counsel.

According to Fagbemi, 227 of the defendants were presented before 10 judges on Tuesday, with the trial expected to conclude between Friday and Saturday.

“For Phase 9, we have 500 suspects in total, and we hope to make significant progress in this prosecution,” Fagbemi said, praising the judges for foregoing their Easter vacation to prioritize the trial.

The mass trial, which was relocated from its usual venue in Kainji, Niger State, to Abuja, allows for better logistics and access to multiple courtrooms.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, the judges of the Federal High Court are authorized to hear terrorism cases. Abuja provides more facilities and convenience for 10 judges to sit simultaneously,” he explained.

Read also: Gunmen ambush, kill student in Plateau community attack

Fagbemi emphasised that the trial was conducted openly and transparently, with observers from Amnesty International, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Nigerian Bar Association, and human rights groups in attendance. “No one will be convicted unless the provisions of the law are satisfied. All proceedings are in the public glare,” he said.

The Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, who leads the defense team, highlighted that many of the suspects admitted involvement in terrorism-related activities.

“Majority of them admit to committing the crime, and some are being prosecuted for association with Boko Haram or ISWAP. A few have been discharged and acquitted, demonstrating the transparency of the process,” he said.

Pre-trial interviews for the defendants were conducted in Maiduguri and Kainji, allowing defense lawyers to meet newly brought-in suspects before court proceedings.

Phase 9 represents a continuation of the government’s concerted effort to bring suspected terrorists to justice while upholding due process, legal transparency, and national security priorities.