The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday commenced the prosecution of about 500 suspects linked to various terror attacks across the country, with proceedings opening at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects are accused of involvement in attacks, particularly in northern Nigeria, which have reportedly claimed over 2,000 lives and led to widespread destruction of property.
Authorities said some of the defendants directly participated in the attacks, while others allegedly provided support through funding, supply of arms, logistics and food items.
Prosecution, defence teams
The prosecution is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
On the defence side, the Director of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliu Bagudu Abubakar, is leading a team of lawyers representing the accused persons.
227 suspects docked
Fagbemi disclosed that 227 suspects were arraigned before 10 judges of the Federal High Court, noting that the trials were fast-tracked with judicial officers sacrificing part of their Easter holiday to handle the cases.
He added that representatives of international organisations, including Amnesty International, as well as members of the Nigerian Bar Association, were invited to observe the proceedings in a bid to ensure transparency and adherence to due process.
Tight security as suspects arraigned
The suspects were transported to court under heavy security, with personnel from the military, the Department of State Services and the police deployed to maintain order.
Court delivers sentences
In one of the cases, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako convicted a food supplier to Boko Haram, Hamatu Modu, for aiding terrorist operations in Borno State.
The defendant, who admitted to supplying food and intelligence to insurgents, was sentenced to prison.
Similarly, another defendant, Isah Ali, was handed a 10-year jail term for supplying food items to terrorists.
The court also sentenced Sheu Buka to 20 years imprisonment for selling livestock to insurgents, while Hamza Yahuza received a seven-year sentence for supplying prohibited substances and cigarettes to the group.
Justice Nyako further directed that the convicts undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes upon completion of their jail terms.
Trials to continue
The court ordered that the Federal Ministry of Interior determine the custodial facilities where the convicts would serve their sentences.
Meanwhile, the trials are expected to continue on April 8, as the government intensifies efforts to prosecute individuals linked to terrorism and related offences across the country.
