By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Federal Government has continued its aggressive push against terrorism with the arraignment of over 400 suspects in Abuja. This comes after a similar mass trial in April 2026, where out of 508 defendants, the Attorney General’s office secured 386 convictions, eight discharges and two acquittals. Many of those convicted received prison terms of up to 20 years.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), is leading the fresh prosecutions. The trials are being held in various courts at the Federal High Court complex in Abuja.
A strong prosecution team headed by the AGF, with the support of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), is handling the cases. The suspects are facing charges of terrorism, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and terrorism financing.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has put together a special panel of judges to preside over the matters. The Federal Government is being represented by the AGF’s office while the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is providing defence for indigent suspects.
These mass trials are part of the government’s strategy to fast-track long-delayed terrorism cases, with proceedings now shifted to Abuja instead of the military facility in Kainji, Niger State.
