The federal government has affirmed its commitment to speedy trial of kidnappers, bandits and terror suspects currently making life unbearable for the citizens through threat to their lives in various parts of the nation.
The government claimed that prompt trial of the suspected criminals by courts would help the country reduce the rate of criminality in all parts of the country.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who made the appeal said that government rather than resorting to detention or battlefield engagements, is focusing on the timely prosecution of suspects implicated in mass-casualty attacks, kidnap-for-ransom networks, extremist recruitment and terror-financing activities.
Fagbemi spoke on Monday, at the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal holding in Abuja.
He said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country.
The AGF also said the government was mindful that speedy trial can only be achieved by enhancing the capacity of the judges who would handle this cases and other cases in the docket of our courts.
Consequently, he hinted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges of the Federal High Court to reinforce and boost the national counter-terrorism efforts and ensure that terrorism-related cases and other cases are handled promptly and effectively.
Fagbemi expressed happiness with the Court of Appeal for the achievements recorded in the 2024/2025 legal year, especially its special sittings across its divisions to tackle case congestion and expedite justice.
He said the innovation has significantly reduced the backlog and demonstrated responsiveness to public concerns about delays, thereby promoting access to justice.
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