The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, announced on Wednesday that the government has resumed legal proceedings against individuals suspected of terrorism-related offenses in the country.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre reported that legal proceedings are underway for numerous individuals suspected of affiliation with Boko Haram, with five judges presiding over specialized courts established to efficiently handle these cases.
In December 2023, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), reported that the Federal Government obtained 366 convictions in legal proceedings against individuals affiliated with Boko Haram, which took place in 2017.
In addition, he said 896 suspects were discharged for lack of evidence while 61 other cases were subsequently adjourned for further hearing.
In December 2023, the FG also secured the conviction of four Boko Haram financiers.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, said the trial of suspected Boko Haram members would be conducted in line with the international criminal justice system.
Michael said the suspects were being represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
He said, “In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the Federal Government has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian state.
“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 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, Office of the National security Adviser.
“More than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the 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 defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.”
Michael also stated that a total of 800 cases have undergone review, and corresponding charges have been prepared for subsequent legal proceedings.
He said, “Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and five acquittals. Non-culpable suspects are being deradicalised, and 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 boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
