FG Begins New Terrorism Trial Phase
Federal authorities have commenced a new phase of terrorism trials in Abuja involving dozens of suspected terrorists.
The Federal Government has launched a fresh round of terrorism trials involving dozens of suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Proceedings began on Monday after authorities moved the exercise from Kainji, Niger State, to the Federal High Court Abuja. The week-long trial is taking place across several courtrooms and forms part of ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism-related offences. The latest terrorism trials are being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, is heading the defence team.
Several Federal High Court judges are participating in the exercise, including Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan. Before Justice Nwite alone, at least 58 suspected terrorists were listed for trial on the opening day. Among them are Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai-Auduga), and Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bell Doctor.
The large-scale terrorism trials have significantly affected court operations, with many previously scheduled cases postponed to accommodate the proceedings. Security around the Federal High Court Abuja and the surrounding Central Business District has also been strengthened. Armed security personnel blocked roads leading to the court as the hearings commenced.
This latest phase follows the trial of 500 suspected terrorists conducted between 7 and 10 April in Abuja. Speaking to journalists, Fagbemi described that exercise as Phase 9 of the government’s mass prosecution programme. He explained that logistical considerations influenced the decision to relocate the hearings from Kainji.
According to him, “Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court.”
He added, “It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time, you know what it means. It means a lot.”
Do you think holding large-scale terrorism trials in Abuja will improve the speed and efficiency of the judicial process?
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