FG secures 150 terrorism convictions in 48 hours – AGF

The federal government has secured approximately 150 terrorism-related convictions within the first 48 hours of its latest phase of mass trials, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has disclosed.

Fagbemi made this known on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges.

According to the Attorney-General, about 160 cases were heard on the first day of proceedings, resulting in nearly 150 convictions.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” he said.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought roughly 300 additional cases before the courts, with about 84 more 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,” Fagbemi stated.

The minister appealed for patience from the public, noting that the exercise demonstrates the government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

He also revealed that the current phase marks the fourth round of mass terrorism trials since the inception of the present administration.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward — the government is not taking the issue of terrorism lightly. Terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” he said.

The prosecution is being led by the Attorney-General, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Judges presiding over the cases include Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan, among others, with proceedings taking place across multiple courtrooms.

The ongoing phase of the trials is expected to continue through Thursday as part of a week-long exercise.

This development follows an earlier round of trials held between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 suspected terrorists were prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Abuja.