The Federal Government has announced that 653 suspects have been convicted during the ongoing 11th phase of mass trials involving terrorism-related offences before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed the figures on Friday, October 23, while reviewing progress in the exercise.
According to Fagbemi, 1,060 suspects were brought before the court for the current phase of proceedings. As of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, 880 cases had been handled, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
The Attorney-General said the exercise was still ongoing and that final figures would be announced after its conclusion. The reported figures therefore represent an interim position, not the final outcome of the entire phase.
Government Describes Exercise as Largest Phase Yet
Fagbemi described the current phase as apparently the largest since the Federal Government began conducting special mass trials for terrorism suspects.
He attributed the progress to cooperation among the judiciary, prosecution and defence counsel, alongside relevant security and justice institutions.
He particularly acknowledged the judges handling the cases under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
The Attorney-General also commended lawyers involved in the proceedings and institutions supporting the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences.
Legal Representation and Fair Hearing
The mass trials have also drawn attention to the provision of legal representation for defendants.
Fagbemi said the Legal Aid Council was fulfilling its responsibility to provide legal assistance to eligible defendants. He clarified that some suspects were also represented by private legal practitioners.
According to the Attorney-General, defence lawyers had been engaging with their clients before the proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases.
He noted that some preparatory activities could not be made public because of security considerations surrounding the proceedings.
The provision of legal representation remains a critical component of criminal trials, particularly in cases involving serious allegations that may carry severe penalties. Convictions must be based on legally admissible evidence and established through fair proceedings.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Remain Part of the Process
Fagbemi also highlighted the role of deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration for individuals recommended for such programmes by the court.
He explained that the process was intended to help eligible individuals understand and regret their actions, enabling them to return to society and resume their lives.
The government’s position is that rehabilitation and reintegration should complement criminal prosecution as part of a broader response to terrorism and insecurity.
The mass trials form part of Nigeria’s continuing effort to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability. Their outcomes also underscore the importance of balancing security priorities with the constitutional rights of defendants.
With proceedings still underway, the final number of convictions, acquittals, discharges and pending cases remains subject to confirmation when the current phase concludes.
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