The Federal Government has announced that 386 convictions were secured out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled during mass trials at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed the figures while speaking with journalists at the end of the ninth phase of the ongoing trial exercise.
According to him, the proceedings also recorded eight discharges, two acquittals, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of hearings.
“Well, in total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions. Eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next session or phase,” he said.
Fagbemi confirmed that preparations had already been concluded for the next phase of the trial process.
“Don’t forget that this is the ninth phase. The 10th phase will come up between the 15th and the 18th of June by God’s special grace,” he added.
The latest trial session reportedly began on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and concluded on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Over 500 suspects were expected to face arraignment for offences linked to terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The hearings, conducted at the Abuja Federal High Court, involved 10 judges and continued despite the Easter vacation period, which began on the same Tuesday.
Fagbemi stressed that the inclusion of both convictions and acquittals demonstrated respect for due process and judicial independence.
“The fact that you have discharges and acquittals speaks to the fact that we have been following due process. Anybody who is not guilty will not be sent to jail,” he said.
He further noted that bringing the suspects before the court reflected recognition of the judiciary’s constitutional role in oversight.
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“The fact that we brought them to court also speaks to the fact that they recognise the oversight function of the judiciary, and this is what has taken place,” Fagbemi stated.
Expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the trials, the AGF said the process was transparent and open, with participation from key stakeholders including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and members of the press.
“I’m satisfied, and that’s why it’s taking place in the full glare of the public. All the representatives of critical stakeholders are here.
“We have people from the UNODC, you the press, you are here, and you can speak to how the proceedings were conducted,” he said.
Fagbemi added that the sentences handed down were intended to deter terrorism and its financing.
“The type of punishment that the judges dished out is to send a clear signal to people involved in terrorism and terrorism-financing that there is no space for them here in Nigeria,” he said.
He continued, “We cannot stop them from going elsewhere. But as far as the Nigerian space is concerned, there is no space. We will not be able to accommodate them. We have been able to bring them to justice.”
The AGF also commended the leadership of the Federal High Court, particularly the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, and the head of the trial team, Binta Nyako, for their dedication to the process.
“I also want to seize this opportunity once again to thank the Federal High Court under the able leadership of the Chief Judge and the leader of the 10-member team. They have done very well, and we are grateful to them for their patriotism,” he said.
He noted that the judges showed exceptional commitment by sitting during a period usually reserved for vacation.
“These are not normal times. They are supposed to use this week, in particular, to be at home resting if they cannot travel. But they have shown great patriotism in answering the clarion call,” Fagbemi said.
He also praised the media for its coverage of the proceedings.
Fagbemi further explained that beyond sentencing, courts also ordered rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes for convicted individuals as part of broader reform efforts.
“And part of the consequential order made by judges after the sentencing is that they should go for rehabilitation and de-radicalisation,” he said.
According to him, this approach aligns with government efforts to ensure offenders are reformed and reintegrated into society.
“This speaks to the effort of government to ensure that the purpose of punishment is also to make offenders turn a new leaf and jettison terrorism,” he added.