By Omonu YG Nelson
In a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism, a federal high court in Kainji, Niger State, has convicted 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers in a mass trial held over two days.
The convicts were found guilty of various charges, including terrorism, terrorism financing, and international criminal court-related crimes.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), “The conviction of these terrorists and their financiers is a testament to the government’s commitment to tackling the scourge of terrorism in Nigeria. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who perpetrate acts of terror are brought to justice.”
The trials, held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five, were presided over by five federal high court judges, led by Justice Binta Nyako. The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar.
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In a statement, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication & Publicity, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, noted that “85 persons were convicted for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC-related crimes, while others were convicted for terrorism. They were sentenced to various jail terms, ranging from 3 to 60 years imprisonment.”
The convictions are seen as a significant step towards dismantling the terrorist network and bringing perpetrators to justice. Additionally, 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalization, and subsequent reintegration.
The mass trial was observed by international organisations, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC). The presence of these organizations ensured that the trials were conducted in accordance with international standards.
The convictions have been hailed as a major victory in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. The government has reassured citizens that it remains committed to tackling the scourge of terrorism and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
(C) Summit Post News