Government Begins Trial of Second Group of Suspected Terrorists in Abuja

The Federal Government began another mass trial of suspected terrorists on Monday in Abuja.

The proceedings, normally held at Kainji in Niger State, were relocated to the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja.

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

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

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

Fifty‑eight suspected terrorists were listed for trial before Justice Nwite on Monday.

The accused include 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, among others.

Most other matters scheduled for Monday were postponed in favor of the mass trial.

Security has been heightened around the Central Business District and the Abuja Federal High Court, with all roads leading to the court blocked by armed personnel.

Between April 7 and April 10, five hundred suspected terrorists were tried at the FHC in Abuja.

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

He cited logistical reasons for moving the cases from Kainji to Abuja.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those who try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court,” Fagbemi said. “It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time; you know what it means. It means a lot,” he added. (NAN)