The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN says 653 terrorism suspects have been convicted during the ongoing 11th phase of mass trials at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed this on Friday while stating the progress of the exercise, which involves 1,060 suspects and is the third phase conducted this year.
Fagbemi said 880 cases had been heard as of noon on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
He added that proceedings were still ongoing, with final figures to be released at the conclusion of the exercise.
The AGF described the current phase as one of the largest since the Federal Government introduced mass trials for terrorism-related offences, attributing the progress to judicial commitment, effective prosecution and cooperation among relevant agencies.
He commended the judges, while acknowledging the contributions of prosecution and defence lawyers, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security, DSS, the military, police, correctional facilities and the Legal Aid Council.
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On legal representation, Fagbemi explained that the Legal Aid Council was providing assistance to eligible defendants, while some suspects were represented by private lawyers.
He said defence counsel had been meeting their clients and preparing their cases ahead of court appearances.
The Minister also stressed the importance of deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration for eligible individuals referred through the judicial process, noting that these measures could help prevent a return to extremist activities.
He thanked journalists for keeping the public informed about the government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and address insecurity.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
