New Trials for Terrorism Suspects Begin in Abuja

The Nigerian government has started a new round of mass trials for terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The trials began on Thursday with eight judges in different courtrooms at the court complex.

The judges include Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite, and Obiora Egwuatu.

The other judges are Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik, and Peter Lifu. The hearings are expected to last for several days.

On Thursday, 34 defendants were set to appear before Judge Ibrahim, while 25 were scheduled for Judge Lifu.

Some of the suspects listed for arraignment before Judge Ibrahim were Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman, and Usman Abubakar.

Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Director of Public Prosecutions, led the federal government’s team during the trials. Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, headed the defence team for the suspects.

This mass trial is expected to take a few days to complete.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the last mass trial of terrorism suspects by the federal government took place in June, which followed another round in April.

In the June trial, the government secured about 479 convictions. During that session, 28 defendants were discharged, one was acquitted, and 224 cases were postponed.

The June trial came after a four-day session in April, where the government prosecuted 508 defendants. This session resulted in 386 convictions, eight discharges, and two acquittals, while 112 cases were adjourned.

In both trials, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, led the prosecution team for the federal government.