The Federal Government has commenced the prosecution of 500 individuals accused of involvement in terrorism-related activities across Nigeria, with proceedings opening on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Authorities allege that the suspects played roles in a series of violent attacks in northern Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people and widespread destruction of property. Some are accused of directly participating in the attacks, while others allegedly supported terrorist operations through funding, supply of weapons, or provision of logistics such as food.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is leading the prosecution team, alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). On the defence side, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, headed by Aliu Bagudu Abubakar, is representing the accused with a team of lawyers.
Fagbemi disclosed that 227 suspects have already been brought before 10 judges of the Federal High Court for trial. He commended the judges for sitting during the Easter holiday to expedite the cases.
To ensure transparency, representatives from international organisations, including Amnesty International, as well as members of the Nigerian Bar Association and other human rights groups, were present to observe the proceedings.
Security was visibly tight at the court premises, with the suspects transported in trucks under heavy guard by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the military.
During the hearings, several convictions were secured. Justice Binta Fatima Nyako sentenced a key logistics supplier to Boko Haram in Borno State, Hamatu Modu, after he admitted in court to providing food and intelligence to the group.
In related rulings, another defendant, Isah Ali, was handed a 10-year prison term for supplying food items to the insurgents. Sheu Buka, accused of selling livestock to the group, received a 20-year sentence, while Hamza Yahuza was jailed for seven years for supplying cannabis and cigarettes.
The court directed that all convicted individuals undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes after completing their prison terms. The Ministry of Interior is expected to designate the correctional facilities where they will serve their sentences.
Proceedings are set to continue on Wednesday, April 8, as the government presses forward with one of the largest terrorism trials in the country’s history.
