FG arraigns over 600 terrorism suspects

…vows relentless fight against insecurity

The Federal Government on Monday reaffirmed its determination to combat terrorism and insecurity across the country as it commenced another phase of terrorism trials involving more than 600 suspects before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the arraignment proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the ongoing prosecution demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling terrorism.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. The present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism lightly. That is why you see ongoing trials,” Fagbemi said.

According to the AGF, the current exercise marks the fourth phase of terrorism-related prosecutions under the present administration, stressing that acts of terrorism in any form would not be tolerated.

“Let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated. We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” he stated.

Providing details of the ongoing phase, Fagbemi disclosed that about 490 suspects were arraigned on the first day, while an additional 84 suspects are expected to appear in court the following day. He noted that the figure excludes 102 cases carried over from the previous phase.

“In total, we have over 600 suspects to contend with for this phase,” he said and expressed confidence that the cases would be handled expeditiously, citing the deployment of ten judges dedicated exclusively to terrorism trials.

“If you observe, we have about ten judges devoted to this case alone, and they are not handling any other matters apart from terrorism cases. It is a total devotion to the trial of terrorism cases,” he explained. 

The AGF added that the judges had assured the government of their commitment to accelerating the proceedings while maintaining necessary legal safeguards and judicial oversight.

Responding to questions on whether any convictions had been secured, Fagbemi confirmed that convictions had been recorded but declined to provide exact figures, noting that the proceedings were still ongoing before multiple judges.

“There have been convictions, but I am not in a position to give the total number at this stage. At the end of the day, we will be able to provide a comprehensive record of what has transpired,” he said and further disclosed that the trial session is scheduled to run for four days—from Monday through Thursday—expressing optimism that significant progress would be achieved before the conclusion of the exercise.

The terrorism trials form part of the federal government’s broader efforts to strengthen national security, ensure accountability for terror-related offences, and enhance public confidence in the justice system of the country.

Meanwhile, Justice Emeka Nwite has convicted and sentenced one of the terrorists, Bello Liman (aka Alhaji Bello Doctor), to a total of 30 years’ imprisonment on the two count charges preferred against him by the federal government.

According to the charges, Bello Liman, sometime in 2020 in Zamfara State, is accused of concealing information which he knew would be of material assistance in securing the apprehension of Usman Sani Kachalla, a leader of terrorists and bandits in Nigeria.

That he failed to disclose such information to any law enforcement or security officer, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 and punishable under the same section.

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He was accused in count two of rendering support to terrorists in Nigeria by serving as an illegal doctor to Usman Sani Kachalla, who is a leader of terrorists.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the two-count charge, and the trial judge convicted him as charged and sentenced him to ten years’ imprisonment in count one and 20 years’ imprisonment in count two.

According to Justice Nwite, the sentence shall commence from the date of his arrest on March 20, 2020, and shall run concurrently. “The term shall be spent by the convict at any correctional service working with the states so that at the end of the prison term, the convict shall be rehabilitated and deradicalised and rehabilitated.

In a related development, another judge of the court, Justice Binta Nyako, on Monday convicted and sentenced a 55-year-old farmer in Borno State, Ali Mustapha, to 15 years’ imprisonment for concealing information on the activities of the Boko Haram sect in his Katara village.

The farmer, who had been in custody since 2013, was one of the terrorism suspects arraigned on Monday by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

After the suspect pleaded guilty to the terrorism-related charge preferred against him by the federal government, the trial judge, Justice Nyako, accordingly convicted and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, without option of fine.

The judge said she took judicial notice of the plea of the convict that there were no government officials or security agencies to report to – as he lives in an obscure and remote village in Borno State.

Justice Nyako ordered that the 15-year jail term should commence from 2013 when the convict was arrested and kept in detention.