The Nigerian Government on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, announced that it has begun the mass trial of terrorism suspects across the country.
Michael Abu, Head of Strategic Communication, National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), in a statement, said that more than 300 suspects were on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and Chambers set up for speedy administration of justice.
According to Mr Abu, the resumption of the trial is in pursuance of the government’s commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system.
The suspects are allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.
He also noted that the ongoing trial was in line with the International Criminal Justice system and is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
With the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other critical stakeholders involved, the trial, Mr Abu said is done under the coordination and supervision of the NCTC-ONSA.
He added that the trial involved multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
Previous trials
Before the particular trial of the terrorism suspects, Mr. Abu said that more than 800 cases have been reviewed by the Nigerian government.
He said, “Before now, more than 800 case files had been reviewed, and charges were drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and five acquittals.
“Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained,” Mr Abu said.
He also said that the NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities to fulfil its mandates and to boost the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.
