The Federal Government on Monday commenced the second batch of mass trials involving suspected terrorists facing terrorism-related charges in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The trial, which is traditionally conducted in Kainji, Niger State, was relocated to the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, to enhance logistics and improve coordination of proceedings.
According Newsmen, the prosecution is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.
The proceedings are taking place simultaneously in multiple courtrooms within the Federal High Court complex and are expected to last for one week.
Several judges are handling different cases, including Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan, among others.
No fewer than 58 suspected terrorists were scheduled for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday, with charges bordering on terrorism and related offences.
Security around the Central Business District and the Federal High Court was significantly tightened, with armed operatives blocking major roads leading to the court premises.
Many other cases earlier scheduled for the day were adjourned to accommodate the mass trial proceedings.
The Federal Government previously conducted a similar exercise between April 7 and April 10, during which about 500 suspects were tried in an earlier phase of the terrorism trial programme.
Speaking to journalists, AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) explained that the relocation of the trials to Abuja was based on logistical convenience and improved judicial efficiency.
He noted that whether held in Kainji or Abuja, terrorism cases are handled by Federal High Court judges, adding that the availability of multiple courtrooms in Abuja makes proceedings more efficient.
“With more judges and better facilities here, it becomes easier to conduct these trials simultaneously. It improves speed and coordination,” he said.
Fagbemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in all terrorism-related cases while maintaining due process and national security.
