The Federal Government has announced that 386 convictions were secured out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted during the ninth phase of mass trials at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed the figures on Friday at the conclusion of the proceedings.
Fagbemi explained that eight defendants were discharged, two acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase scheduled for 15–18 June.
The trial, which ran from 7–10 April despite the Easter vacation, involved 10 judges presiding over cases against more than 500 suspects charged under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Fagbemi stressed that the inclusion of discharges and acquittals demonstrated adherence to due process.
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“Anybody who is not guilty will not be sent to jail,” he said, adding that the exercise reflected respect for judicial oversight.
He stated that the proceedings were conducted transparently, with observers from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the media present.
Sentences handed down were intended to deter terrorism and its financing, while courts also ordered rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes for convicted persons, he added.
The AGF commended Chief Judge John Tsoho and Justice Binta Nyako, who led the 10-member trial team, for their dedication during the holiday period.
In addition, he praised the media for its role in informing the public.
“This speaks to government’s effort to ensure punishment also facilitates reformation and reintegration,” Fagbemi said.
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