653 convicted in 11th phase of mass terrorism trials, says AGF

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has disclosed that 653 suspects have been convicted so far in the ongoing 11th phase of the mass trial of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Fagbemi stated this on Friday, noting that 1,060 suspects were brought before the court for the phase, which runs from 19th to 24th October. He described it as the largest since the exercise began.

According to him, 880 cases had been disposed of as of 12:15 pm on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He said final figures would be released after the exercise ends today.

“This is the third phase this year alone. But generally, this is the 11th phase. That is if you consider everything since we started,” he said.

The AGF attributed the progress to the cooperation of judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, as well as security and other agencies involved.

He singled out the judges sitting under Justice Binta Nyako, who he said had been presiding on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council, saying their collaboration had been instrumental to the prosecution of terrorism-related offences.

On defence representation, Fagbemi said the Legal Aid Council was not the only body providing lawyers, as members of the private bar were also taking part. He said defence lawyers had engaged the suspects before the trials, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases.