FG RESUMES TRIAL OF PRESUMED BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS – BREAKING

Babatunji Wusu –

The government of President Bola Tinubu has brought back to trial the suspected terrorists from Boko Haram who were detained several years ago.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated that the first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project began in 2017. He made this statement on Monday morning at the start of the trial session held at the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Niger State.

In the 2017 trial, he continued, the FG managed to achieve 366 convictions in total, with 896 others being dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Additionally, according to Fagbemi, 61 more cases were postponed for additional hearings.

“It is with great pleasure that I greet you all to this momentous occasion that signifies the beginning of the prosecution of individuals suspected of terrorism.”

This is a unique day for numerous reasons. As the government’s primary responsibility is to protect the security and welfare of its residents, today represents yet another advancement in the effort to secure the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians. This obligation is of the utmost significance to all of us gathered here.

“It is imperative that I appreciate the significant progress we have made in this project. The Kainji Prosecution Project’s initial phase began in October 2017 and produced some amazing results: 366 convictions were registered, 896 cases were dismissed for lack of evidence, and 61 cases were postponed for additional hearings.

The exercise has so far been divided into three phases, which run from October 2017 to July 2018. Given how crucial this assignment is to the welfare of our dear nation and its people, I must now challenge all stakeholders to make sure the momentum is maintained,” Fagbemi was reported by the PUNCH as saying in court.

Recall that the Nigerian government finalized plans in January 2023 to move forward with the second phase of the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects, who are presently being imprisoned in a military facility in Kainji, Niger State, with an anticipated start date of March.