FG Begins Fresh Trial of Terrorism Suspects in Abuja

(Court. Photo by Daily Post)
The Federal Government has started a new round of mass trials for suspected terrorists.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the exercise is part of a wider plan to clear the backlog of terrorism cases and speed up justice for insurgency and armed group offences.

The trials usually take place in Kainji, Niger State, but this phase has been moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They are expected to last a few days.

Several judges are presiding, including Justices Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.

Justice Ibrahim had 34 suspects on his list for Thursday, and Justice Lifu had 25.

Among those due to be arraigned before Justice Ibrahim are Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman and Usman Abubakar.

Although the Attorney-General usually leads the government's team, Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo SAN was leading the prosecution at the time of the report.

Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, is leading the defence.

Security was heavily increased around the court.

In the previous phase, held in Abuja from April 7 to 10, no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried.

The Attorney-General described that round as phase nine of the exercise.