Mass Terrorism Trial Begins in Abuja

By Babatunji Wusu| The Federal Government on Monday commenced another round of mass terrorism trials involving suspected terrorists facing various terrorism-related charges in Abuja. The proceedings, which were previously held in Kainji, Niger State, have now been moved to the Federal High Court in the nation’s capital.

The prosecution team is led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while the defence is being coordinated by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar. The mass terrorism trial is expected to run for one week and is taking place across several courtrooms within the Federal High Court complex.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan. Before Justice Nwite alone, no fewer than 58 suspected terrorists were scheduled for trial on Monday. The defendants include Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai-Auduga) and Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bell Doctor.

The ongoing mass terrorism trial has significantly affected court activities, with many previously scheduled cases postponed to make room for the proceedings. Security presence around the Federal High Court Abuja and the Central Business District has also been strengthened, while armed personnel blocked roads leading to the court premises.

Speaking to journalists, Fagbemi noted that about 500 suspected terrorists were tried between April 7 and April 10 during Phase 9 of the mass terrorism trial programme in Abuja. He explained that logistical considerations informed the relocation of the cases from Kainji.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court.

“It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time, you know what it means. It means a lot,” Fagbemi said.