FG convicts 653 terrorism suspects in mass trials

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has disclosed that 653 terrorism suspects have been convicted during the ongoing mass trials at the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi made this known on Friday, saying 1,060 suspects were brought before the court during the 11th phase of the mass trials, which ran from October 19 to 24.

He described the exercise as the largest since the mass trials began.

According to the AGF, 880 cases had been handled as of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He added that the final figures would be announced after the conclusion of the exercise.

“This is the third phase this year alone. But generally, this is the 11th phase. That is if you consider everything since we started,” he said.

“For this 11th phase… we have 1,060 suspects brought for trial. We are not through with it. As at now, as at quarter after 12 today, we have had about 880 trials. Of this 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted, 27 discharged.”

Fagbemi added: “But by tomorrow when we finish, I will be able to give, or we would be able to give the final figure. We would also observe that this appears to be the largest since we started.”

The attorney-general attributed the progress to the cooperation of judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the exercise.

He particularly commended the judges sitting under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who he said had been acting for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council, among other institutions.

He said collaboration among the agencies had been instrumental in prosecuting terrorism-related offences.

On legal representation for the defendants, the AGF explained that the Legal Aid Council was not the only body providing defence lawyers, as members of the private bar had also participated in the proceedings.

He said defence counsel had engaged with suspects before their trials, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for court proceedings.

Fagbemi also highlighted the importance of deradicalisation in rehabilitating suspects who might eventually be discharged.

According to him, the process is necessary to help them reintegrate into society and prevent a return to the activities that led to their arrest.

“Deradicalisation is an aspect of the exercise. There’s no way you can be discharged without, you know, going through that recommendation. You must be deradicalised,” he said.

He added that rehabilitation should help former suspects reflect on their actions and prepare for life after detention.

“You know, what took you there in the first instance, there must be a system to let you, you know, regret the action you have taken, so that when you get back to society, you will be able to fit in the society and continue your daily life,” Fagbemi said.