The federal government has secured the conviction of 653 people charged with terrorism offences in the ongoing mass trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, made this known during an interview with journalists shortly after he attended some proceedings in the ongoing trials.
The AGF said since the commencement of the latest phase, about 880 cases had been determined by the courts, with seven suspected terrorists acquitted and 27 discharged.
“We are not through with the trial but as of 12:15 p.m. today, we have had about 880 trials. Of this 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted and 27 discharged.
“But by tomorrow, when we conclude the exercise, we will be able to give the final figure.
“And if you also observe, this appears to be the largest since we started and this is due to the cooperation and the guidance we have received from my lord, the judges who sat,” he said.
Mr Fagbemi commended the judiciary, prosecution counsel and the defence team, alongside relevant government agencies and other stakeholders, for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the proceedings.
The minister, however, corrected the impression that journalists were restrained from covering the proceedings.
“You know journalists or the press have always been the friends of the government, especially when it comes to the issue of justice and terrorism trials. I know that most of your colleagues will testify to the fact that they are always present in court. Don’t forget, what we are dealing with is terrorism and security is involved.
“So, when any action is taken, I want you to see that it is in the interest of all and sundry. Why will the government say don’t participate? What do we have to hide? you were in court; you saw what happened. So what can you say has been taken from you?
“So, just to answer your question, nothing sinister is intended. It is in the interest of everybody. You cannot just allow anybody to come in, but if you are able to identify yourself, they will let you in, especially members of the fourth estate of the realm because we need you,” he said.
The AGF also corrected the impression that only lawyers from the Legal Aide Council of Nigeria were in the defence team.
According to him, independent stakeholders from the private bar have been attending or representing the defendants.
He said before they take up the brief, they would have visited the detention camp and interracted with the defendants to aide their defence.
The AGF, who said that deradicalisation was an aspect of the exercise, said there is no way a suspect would be discharged without going through the recommendation so that such person would be able to fit in the society.
The trial, which began on October 16, is taking place simultaneously in different courtrooms with no fewer than 10 judges.
The exercise is aimed at accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related offences and addressing the backlog of pending cases.