By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has announced that 653 suspects were convicted in the ongoing mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court.
Fagbemi gave the figure on Friday, noting that 1,060 suspects were arraigned in the 11th phase of the exercise, held between October 19 and 24, which he described as the largest since the trials began.
By 12:15 p.m. on Friday, he said, 880 cases had been heard, producing 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He added that the final figures would be released after the exercise wrapped up.
“This is the third phase this year alone, but generally it is the 11th phase, considering everything since we started,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that of the 1,060 suspects brought for trial in this phase, 880 cases had been handled as of the time he spoke, with the numbers still being updated.
“But by tomorrow when we finish, we will be able to give the final figure. We would also observe that this appears to be the largest since we started,” he added.
The AGF credited the progress to cooperation among the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, as well as security and other agencies involved in the exercise.
He singled out the judges sitting under Justice Binta Nyako, who he said had been holding forth for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for commendation.
Fagbemi also acknowledged the input of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council, saying their collaboration had been key to prosecuting terrorism related offences.
On legal representation, the AGF noted that the Legal Aid Council was not the only source of defence lawyers, as private bar members had also taken part in the proceedings.
He said defence lawyers had engaged with the suspects before trial, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases.
Fagbemi further stressed that deradicalisation was central to the rehabilitation of suspects who might eventually be discharged, describing it as necessary for their reintegration into society.
“Deradicalisation is an aspect of the exercise. There’s no way you can be discharged without going through that recommendation. You must be deradicalised,” he said.
He explained that the process is designed to make suspects reflect on the actions that led to their arrest so they can fit back into society and resume normal life.
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