The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism and related crimes across the country, as more than 600 suspected terrorists face prosecution in the latest phase of ongoing mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the declaration on Monday while addressing journalists after leading the government’s legal team in the prosecution of suspected terrorists before the court.
Fagbemi said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in its determination to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a haven for everybody,” the minister said.
According to him, the ongoing proceedings demonstrate the government’s seriousness in tackling terrorism and sending a strong message that violent extremism will not be tolerated in any form.
“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. That is why you see the ongoing trials,” he stated.
Fagbemi disclosed that the current exercise represents the fourth phase of terrorism prosecutions under the Tinubu administration.
Providing details of the latest round of trials, the minister said about 490 suspects were scheduled for arraignment on Monday, while another 84 suspects would appear before the court on Tuesday.
He added that the figure excludes 102 cases carried over from the previous phase.
“In total, you have almost 600 plus to contend with for this phase. We have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost part to ensure that they clear this number for this phase,” he said.
The AGF also revealed that 10 judges had been assigned exclusively to handle terrorism-related cases in a bid to fast-track proceedings without compromising due process.
“We have about 10 judges devoted to this case alone, and they are not doing any other cases apart from the terrorism cases. I mean, total devotion to the trial of terrorism cases,” he said.
Fagbemi expressed confidence that the judges would ensure speedy hearings while maintaining the legal safeguards required in criminal trials.
“I am optimistic, and I’ve gotten assurances from them that they will do no other than this one, and they are speeding up the process without compromising the necessary safeguards and oversight that they are meant to do,” he added.
The minister noted that previous phases of the terrorism trials had already resulted in convictions, adding that a comprehensive record of outcomes would be compiled after the current proceedings conclude.
He said the latest phase of the trial, which commenced on Monday, is expected to run until Thursday.
“By the end of Thursday, we are optimistic that it will have gone very, very fine,” he said.
The mass prosecution follows a similar exercise conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which at least 500 suspected terrorists were tried as part of the federal government’s intensified efforts to address insecurity and strengthen the fight against insurgency across the country.
