The Federal Government has secured about 150 convictions within the first two days of the latest phase of mass terrorism trials, according to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Fagbemi disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where multiple terrorism cases are being heard simultaneously before 10 judges.
According to the minister, about 160 cases were heard on the opening day of the exercise, with roughly 150 ending in convictions.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi said.
He revealed that proceedings on Tuesday involved nearly 300 cases, with an additional 84 expected to be concluded before the end of the day.
“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.
The Attorney-General urged Nigerians to be patient as the process continues, noting that the trials demonstrate the government’s determination to uphold justice and hold those involved in terrorism accountable.
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Speaking earlier on Monday, Fagbemi described the ongoing exercise as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials under the current administration, stressing that the government remains resolute in its fight against terrorism.
“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. Terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” he said.
The Attorney-General is leading the prosecution team, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, is coordinating the defence.
Several Federal High Court judges, including Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, are presiding over the cases across different courtrooms.
The current phase of the trials is expected to continue until Thursday and forms part of a week-long exercise. It follows an earlier round of proceedings held in April, during which over 500 suspected terrorists were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
