The Nigerian Government on Tuesday brought 227 terrorism suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in its ongoing crackdown on insurgency-related offences.
RoundReports understands that the mass trial, described as “phase 9” by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, is part of a wider exercise involving about 500 suspects scheduled for prosecution this week.
It was said that security was tight around the court complex, with armed personnel deployed and access roads blocked.
Traditionally held in Kainji, Niger State, the trials were relocated to Abuja for logistical reasons and to take advantage of the availability of more courtrooms.
Several suspects faced charges of aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly linked to Boko Haram activities in the North-East.
On the opening day, a number of defendants were convicted after pleading guilty.
Among them, 20-year-old Hamat Modu received four consecutive ten-year sentences for assisting Boko Haram members.
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Isah Ali, a food supplier in Borno State, was sentenced to ten years, backdated to his arrest three years ago.
Hamza Yahuza, a father of six, was jailed for seven years for supplying drugs and cigarettes to insurgents, while Shehu Bukar, a father of three, was handed a 20-year term for selling goats to the group.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over several cases, ordered that convicted individuals undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation after serving their sentences.
Other judges, including Justices Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman and Akpan Ekerete, handled separate batches of suspects.
Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, explained that many suspects were prosecuted for providing financial or material support to terrorist groups, and that most admitted to the offences, expediting the trial process.
Abubakar added that while many were convicted for association with Boko Haram, a few were discharged and acquitted due to transparency of the process.
The trials are expected to continue until the end of the week, with more suspects set to face charges in the coming days.