FG Starts Trial of Second Batch of Suspected Terrorists in Abuja

On Monday, the Federal Government commenced a new mass trial of suspected terrorists charged with terrorism‑related offences in Abuja.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the trial—normally held at Kainji in Niger—was relocated to the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja.

The prosecution was led by the Attorney‑General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while the defense team was headed by the Director‑General of the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar.

The proceedings are taking place in all courtrooms of the FHC and are expected to last one week.

Judges presiding over the trial include Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan, among others.

On Monday, Justice Nwite heard the case of 58 suspected terrorists, including Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai‑Auduga), and Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bell Doctor.

Most other court matters scheduled for the day were postponed to accommodate the mass trial.

NAN reported that security was heightened around the Central Business District and the Abuja Federal High Court, with armed personnel blocking all roads leading to the court.

Earlier, between April 7 and April 10, 500 suspected terrorists were tried at the FHC in Abuja.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Fagbemi said those 500 suspects were part of Phase 9 of the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja.

He explained that the cases were moved to Abuja from Kainji for logistical reasons:

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, the judges of the Federal High Court handle them. It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time, which makes a big difference,”

— Lateef Fagbemi, AGF

(NAN)

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