FG Arraigns Over 400 Terrorism Suspects in Abuja Courts

FG Arraigns Over 400 Terrorism Suspects in Abuja Courts

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), has commenced the prosecution of more than 400 terrorism suspects in a renewed effort to accelerate the trial of terrorism-related cases across the country.

The proceedings are currently taking place at the Federal High Court complex in Abuja, where a special panel of judges has been constituted to hear the cases.

A prosecution team led by the Attorney General, supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), is representing the Federal Government in the trials.

The defendants are facing various charges, including terrorism, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and terrorism financing.

To ensure fair representation, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is providing legal services for indigent suspects standing trial.

The latest proceedings follow a similar mass trial conducted in April 2026. During that exercise, the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted 508 defendants, securing 386 convictions, while eight suspects were discharged and two acquitted. Several of those convicted received prison sentences of up to 20 years.

Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, constituted the special panel of judges overseeing the ongoing trials as part of efforts to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice in terrorism-related cases.

The mass trials form part of the Federal Government’s strategy to tackle terrorism and related offences through the judicial process while addressing the backlog of pending cases.

Unlike previous proceedings held at the military facility in Kainji, Niger State, the current trials are being conducted in Abuja, reflecting efforts to institutionalise and streamline the prosecution of terrorism cases within the regular court system.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that individuals involved in terrorism and related crimes are brought to justice in accordance with the law, while safeguarding the rights of all defendants throughout the judicial process.

FG Arraigns Over 400 Terrorism Suspects in Abuja Courts