The Federal Government has commenced the prosecution of more than 400 terrorism suspects in a fresh phase of mass terrorism trials taking place at the Federal High Court complex in Abuja.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, is leading the prosecution team, supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
The suspects are facing various charges, including terrorism, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and the financing of terrorist operations.
The trials are being conducted before a special panel of judges constituted by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, to handle the large number of cases.
The latest proceedings follow a similar mass trial conducted in April 2026, during which the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted 508 defendants. According to official records, 386 convictions were secured, while eight defendants were discharged and two were acquitted. Several of those convicted received prison sentences of up to 20 years.
The Federal Government is being represented by the Office of the Attorney General, while legal representation for indigent defendants is being provided by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
The ongoing trials form part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the prosecution of terrorism-related cases and reduce the backlog of pending matters. Unlike previous proceedings held at a military facility in Kainji, Niger State, the current trials are taking place in Abuja, a move aimed at improving judicial efficiency and access to the courts.
Authorities say the prosecutions underscore the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that individuals accused of terrorism-related offences face due legal process.
