The Federal Government on Tuesday said it secured about 150 convictions from 160 terrorism cases on the opening day of the ongoing mass trial of suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this while briefing journalists on the progress of the trial involving more than 600 terrorism suspects.
According to him, the large-scale prosecution, which began on Monday, is expected to continue through Thursday as authorities intensify efforts to conclude pending terrorism-related cases.
“The exercise is still ongoing. It will continue today, tomorrow and on Thursday. Yesterday, about 160 trials were conducted and nearly 150 convictions were secured,” Fagbemi said.
He added that about 300 additional cases were handled on Tuesday, with another 84 matters expected to be heard before the close of proceedings.
“Wherever the process stops today, it will continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. The exercise is still in progress. I appeal for patience as we continue to carry out our lawful duty to the nation,” he stated.
The ongoing mass trial was moved from Kainji, Niger State, to the Federal High Court in Abuja to facilitate the prosecution of the large number of suspects facing terrorism-related charges.
READ ALSO:Â Tinubu Pledges Support As Fagbemi Advances Judicial Reforms
Fagbemi had, at the commencement of the exercise on Monday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to intensify the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes.
He stressed that the Tinubu administration would remain relentless in its efforts to restore security across the country.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that Nigeria becomes a safe haven for everyone,” the Attorney-General declared.
The mass trial forms part of the Federal Government’s broader counter-terrorism strategy aimed at accelerating the prosecution of terrorism suspects and strengthening the country’s criminal justice response to insurgency and related security threats.