The Federal Government has secured about 150 convictions within the first two days of the latest phase of mass terrorism trials currently ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the court, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges.
Fagbemi said the current phase of the terrorism trials, which began on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials on its first day, resulting in approximately 150 convictions.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” the AGF said.
He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought about 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close 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,” he said.
The minister appealed for patience from the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the trials reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.
Fagbemi had on Monday said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the present administration.
According to him, the exercise sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate terrorism 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. And that is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.
“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” the AGF added.
The prosecution is being led by the AGF, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, is heading the defence team.
Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.
The proceedings are taking place across several courtrooms at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The current phase of the trials is expected to continue through Thursday, while the overall exercise is scheduled to last one week.
The latest phase follows a previous round held between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court in Abuja.