Nigeria has secured 860 terror convictions in 8 years, US delegation told

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

A United States delegation on a fact-finding mission over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria visited the Federal Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, where Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi revealed that his ministry has secured 860 convictions for terrorism-related offences in the last eight years.

Fagbemi specified that from 2017 to 2025, the Federal Government attained 860 convictions and 881 acquittals in its efforts to address terrorism and related crimes.

The minister, speaking to the press after a closed-door meeting with the US delegation led by US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, said the session afforded Nigeria the opportunity to present its perspective on alleged Christian genocide and widespread insecurity in the country.

He stated that the Federal Ministry of Justice had provided details on progress made in the prosecution of individuals arrested in connection with killings.

“We have been able to explain to them how far we have gone. For instance, as we speak, a terrorism trial is going on involving some suspects who were arrested.

“And I want to seize this opportunity to let you know that as of today, 2017 to 2025, we have secured 860 convictions and 881 acquittals. What this speaks to, particularly regarding acquittals, is that we don’t just arrest people and put them in prison.

“We follow due process. They are profiled and released if cleared. Those found to have a case to answer are charged to court. Whenever the court gives its decision, we comply fully,” Fagbemi explained.

The US delegation is “on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria,” following previous briefings in Washington, D.C., on shared security concerns.