By Vivian Okejeme
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has disclosed that 653 suspects have been convicted so far in the ongoing 11th phase of the mass terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Fagbemi described the exercise as the largest since the mass trial process began, noting that 1,060 suspects had been brought before the court for trial between October 19 and 24.
According to him, 880 cases had been handled as of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He added that the final figures would be released after the conclusion of the exercise.
“This is the third phase this year alone. Generally, however, this is the 11th phase, considering all the exercises since we started.
“For this 11th phase, we have 1,060 suspects brought for trial. We have not concluded the exercise. As of 12:15 p.m. today, we had handled about 880 cases. Of these, 653 suspects have been convicted, seven acquitted and 27 discharged.
“By tomorrow, when we conclude the exercise, I will be able to give the final figures. We should also note that this appears to be the largest exercise since we started,” he said.
The AGF attributed the progress recorded to the cooperation of the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, as well as security agencies and other relevant institutions involved in the exercise.
He particularly commended the judges sitting under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who, he said, had been holding forth for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Fagbemi also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council, among other stakeholders.
He said collaboration among the agencies had been instrumental in the prosecution of terrorism-related offences.
On the provision of legal representation for the defendants, Fagbemi explained that the Legal Aid Council was not the only body providing defence lawyers, as members of the private bar had also been participating in the proceedings.
He added that defence lawyers had engaged with the suspects before the trials, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases.
The AGF also stressed the importance of deradicalisation in rehabilitating suspects who might eventually be discharged.
He said the process was necessary to help them reintegrate into society and prevent them from returning to the activities that led to their arrest.
“Deradicalisation is an aspect of the exercise. There is no way a person can be discharged without, you know, going through that recommendation. It is very important that the person is deradicalised.
“What took you there in the first place? There must be a system to make you regret the actions you have taken so that, when you return to society, you will be able to fit in and continue your daily life,” he said.
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