The Federal Government has recorded about 150 convictions in the first two days of the latest round of terrorism trials taking place at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the court premises.
According to the minister, the ongoing exercise has already produced significant results, with hundreds of terrorism-related cases brought before the courts since proceedings commenced on Monday.
Fagbemi explained that around 160 cases were heard on the opening day of the trial phase, leading to approximately 150 convictions.
“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” he said.
The AGF noted that the legal process remains ongoing, adding that several more cases were scheduled for hearing on Tuesday.
He revealed that nearly 300 matters came up before the courts during the day, while dozens of additional cases were expected to be concluded before proceedings ended.
“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” Fagbemi stated.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain patient as the exercise continues, stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that justice is served through lawful and transparent processes.
He said the trials reflect the administration’s determination to confront terrorism and other security threats through legal means while holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Fagbemi had earlier described the current exercise as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials conducted since the present administration came into office.
According to him, the continued prosecution of terrorism-related cases demonstrates that the government remains resolute in its fight against violent extremism across the country.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The ongoing proceedings are being handled simultaneously by 10 judges of the Federal High Court sitting in different courtrooms in Abuja.
Among the judges presiding over the matters are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.
While Fagbemi is leading the prosecution team, the defence is being coordinated by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar.
The current phase of the trials is expected to continue until Thursday, although officials say the broader exercise will last for one week.