The Federal Government has secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court in the ninth phase of its mass terrorism trials, with convicted defendants mainly Boko Haram members receiving sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment based on the gravity of the charges and their open court confessions.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, disclosed the outcome to journalists at the conclusion of the four-day exercise on Friday, describing the results as a clear signal that Nigeria has no space for terrorism and its financing.
The proceedings, which ran from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 10, 2026, saw 10 judges of the Federal High Court sit as special courts during the Easter vacation period a demonstration of what the AGF described as exceptional patriotism and dedication to the fight against terrorism.
Of the 508 defendants arraigned during the ninth phase, 386 were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms. Eight defendants were discharged, two were acquitted, and 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of proceedings.
“Well, in total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions. Eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next session or phase,” Fagbemi stated.
The 10th phase of the mass trial has been scheduled for June 15 to 18, 2026, when the remaining 112 suspects whose cases could not be completed will be arraigned alongside others.
Fagbemi emphasised that the inclusion of discharges and acquittals in the results demonstrated the government’s adherence to due process and the rule of law — a point clearly intended to address criticisms from human rights organisations about the fairness of mass trial proceedings.
“The fact that you have discharges and acquittals speaks to the fact that we have been following due process. Anybody who is not guilty will not be sent to jail,” the AGF stated.
He added that bringing the suspects to court rather than detaining them indefinitely reflected the government’s respect for the judiciary’s constitutional oversight role.
“The fact that we brought them to court also speaks to the fact that they recognise the oversight function of the judiciary, and this is what has taken place,” Fagbemi stated.
The AGF framed the mass convictions as a deterrent message to terrorists and their financiers.
“The type of punishment that the judges dished out is to send a clear signal to people involved in terrorism and terrorism-financing that there is no space for them here in Nigeria,” Fagbemi declared.
“We cannot stop them from going elsewhere. But as far as the Nigerian space is concerned, there is no space. We will not be able to accommodate them. We have been able to bring them to justice,” he added.
Beyond sentencing, the courts also ordered rehabilitation and de-radicalisation for convicted persons as part of a broader strategy that combines punishment with reformation and reintegration.
“Part of the consequential order made by judges after the sentencing is that they should go for rehabilitation and de-radicalisation,” Fagbemi disclosed.
He said the approach reflects the government’s objective of ensuring that punishment also facilitates the reformation of offenders.
“This speaks to the effort of government to ensure that the purpose of punishment is also to make offenders turn a new leaf and jettison terrorism,” the AGF stated.
The AGF commended the 10 Federal High Court judges who sat during the Easter vacation period, a time ordinarily reserved for rest and personal travel, to conduct the mass trials.
“These are not normal times. They are supposed to use this week, in particular, to be at home resting if they cannot travel. But they have shown great patriotism in answering the clarion call,” Fagbemi stated.
He specifically thanked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and the head of the 10-member trial team, Justice Binta Nyako, for their commitment and leadership.