Nigerian govt resumes mass trial of terrorism suspects

The Federal government on Wednesday said it had resumed mass trial of persons reportedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian state.

A statement by the spokesman of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abu Michael, noted that the resumed trial was “In pursuance of government’s commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching transparent administrative system.”

“The ongoing trial, which is in line with the International Criminal Justice system 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 in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA).

“More than 300 suspects are on trial with 5 reputable judges manning the 5 courts and Chambers set up for speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.

“The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).

“Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.

“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and 5 accquitals. Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.

“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society,” the statement reads.

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