By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Out of 54 suspected teerorists recently arraigned in Phase 7 of the Kainji Detention Facility Terrorism Trial, Nigeria has secured convictions for 44.
According to a statement signed by the head, Department of Strategic Communication, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, (NCTC-ONSA), Abu Michael, the remaining 10 cases were adjourned during proceedings held across four courts, presided over by four Federal High Court justices.
According to the statement, the verdicts delivered from the trials resulted in prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, all to be served with hard labour, underscoring the severity of the crimes and the Nigerian justice system’s resolve to uphold accountability and deter future transgressions.
“The trials commenced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with an opening ceremony during which the Coordinator of the NCTC-ONSA, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, delivered remarks on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
“The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar. Both officials reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to justice and its determination to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.
“During the Phase 6 trials, 237 cases were heard, resulting in 200 convictions. The convicted terrorists received a range of sentences based on the severity of their crimes, from the death penalty and life imprisonment to prison terms of 20 to 70 years.
“Their offences included heinous acts such as attacks on women and children, the destruction of religious sites, the killing of civilians, and the abduction of women and children during a brutal assault on the Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
“With the latest convictions, Nigeria has now secured a total of 785 cases involving terrorism financing and other terrorism-related offences, reflecting the country’s intensified efforts to combat violent extremism, dismantle funding networks, and strengthen national security through judicial enforcement,” the statement read in part.