‎FG secures 150 terrorism convictions in two days, says AGF

Abuja – The Federal Government has secured about 150 terrorism-related convictions within the first two days of the latest phase of its mass terrorism trials, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said.
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‎Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted before 10 judges simultaneously, Fagbemi said the exercise had recorded significant progress since it commenced on Monday.
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‎According to the minister, approximately 160 cases were heard on the first day of the proceedings, resulting in about 150 convictions.
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‎“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi said.
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‎He disclosed that around 300 cases were scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, with an additional 84 cases expected to be concluded before the end of the day.
‎“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.
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‎The Attorney-General urged members of the public to be patient as the process continues, stressing that the trials demonstrate the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.
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‎Fagbemi had earlier described the ongoing exercise as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials since the inception of the current administration, noting that it sends a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated in the country.
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‎“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking,” he said.
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‎The prosecution team is being led by the Attorney-General, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, is coordinating the defence.
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‎The trials are being handled by several Federal High Court judges, including Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.
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‎The current phase of the trials is expected to continue until Thursday, while the overall exercise will last for one week.
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‎The latest round follows an earlier phase held between April 7 and April 10, during which more than 500 suspected terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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