The Federal Government secured 150 convictions of terrorists in the first two days of its most recent round of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) announced on Tuesday.
Fagbemi made the remark while meeting with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the proceedings are taking place concurrently before ten judges.
The AGF stated that the current phase, which began on Monday, had already resulted in around 150 convictions on the first day alone.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.
He also mentioned that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close 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,” the minister said.
Fagbemi urged patience from the public and emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
This is the fourth round of mass terrorism trials since the current administration’s inception. The exercise serves as a clear message that the government will not tolerate any form of terrorism.
“The message is clear, direct, and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not treating the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.
“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is to let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.
The AGF is leading the prosecution, while Aliyu Abubakar, director-general of the Legal Aid Council, is in charge of the defense.
Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan are among the justices handling the cases, which are being heard in many courtrooms at the same time.
The current phase of trials is slated to last until Thursday, with the entire exercise planned to take one week.
The latest phase follows a previous round, which took place between April 7 and April 10, and saw no fewer than 500 suspected terrorists tried before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
