The Federal Government has secured nearly 150 convictions from about 160 terrorism-related cases heard on the first day of ongoing mass trial proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, underscoring efforts to strengthen the country’s counterterrorism prosecution framework.
Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the court premises, where more than 600 terrorism suspects are currently facing prosecution.
According to Fagbemi, the exercise, which began on Monday, is expected to continue through Thursday as authorities seek to conclude hearings in hundreds of pending cases.
“The exercise is still ongoing. It will continue today, tomorrow and on Thursday,” the AGF said.
“Yesterday, about 160 trials were conducted. Nearly 150 convictions were secured.”
He noted that approximately 300 cases had been handled as of Tuesday, with another 84 matters scheduled to come up before the court.
“Wherever the process stops today, it will continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. The exercise is still in progress, and I appeal for patience as we continue to carry out our lawful duty to the nation,” he added.
The mass trial, which is traditionally conducted in Kainji, Niger State, was relocated to Abuja for the current proceedings.
The development forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to tackle terrorism, insurgency and related security threats through the judicial process.
It would be recalled that at the commencement of the proceedings on Monday, Fagbemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding national security.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” he said.
The ongoing proceedings represent one of the largest coordinated terrorism prosecution exercises undertaken by the Federal Government in recent years, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and strengthen the rule of law in the country’s security response.
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