The Federal Government has recorded 653 convictions in the latest round of terrorism-related trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with proceedings involving 1,060 defendants still underway.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced the figures on Friday while providing an update on the 11th phase of the special trials, which he described as the largest since the exercise began.

Fagbemi said that, as of about 12:15 p.m., the court had handled 880 cases, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He explained that the figures were provisional and that the government would release the final statistics after the exercise concludes.

The minister attributed the progress to cooperation among the judiciary, prosecution and defence lawyers, security agencies and other institutions involved in the proceedings.

He particularly acknowledged the judges presiding over the cases under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been handling responsibilities on behalf of the Federal High Court’s Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.

Fagbemi also recognised the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional facilities and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

On legal representation, he said the Legal Aid Council had been providing assistance to defendants who qualified for its services, while private legal practitioners were also representing some individuals facing trial.

He added that defence lawyers had been allowed to consult their clients before court sessions, including through visits to detention facilities, to enable them to prepare their cases. Some aspects of these preparations, he noted, could not be publicly disclosed because of security concerns.

The attorney-general further highlighted the importance of deradicalisation and rehabilitation for eligible defendants recommended for such programmes, explaining that these measures could support their return to society and help prevent a relapse into extremist activities.

The ongoing proceedings form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges.

Source: News Central