The Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced the resumption of mass trial for individuals accused of terrorism and other serious crimes against Nigeria.
Spokesperson for the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abu Michael, stated that the trials are part of the government’s efforts to promote social justice through a transparent administrative process.
More than 300 suspects are currently on trial, with five reputable judges presiding over five courts and chambers dedicated to ensuring swift justice in terrorism and related cases.
The trials involve multiple stakeholders, including CCG prosecutors and defense attorneys from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
Previously, over 800 case files were reviewed, and charges were prepared to facilitate effective prosecution and ensure justice is served appropriately.
The statement read, “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 (CCG) 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 (NCTC), Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA).
“More than 300 suspects are on trial with 5 reputable judges manning the 5 courts and Chambers set up for 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 defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
“Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and 5 accquitals. Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, 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 to boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
