Nigerian Govt begins new phase of mass trial of suspected terrorists

On Thursday, the Federal Government initiated a new phase of mass trials for suspected terrorists, as reported by NAN. This development is part of the government's broader strategy to tackle the backlog of terrorism cases and expedite justice for offenses related to insurgency and armed criminal networks. Previously, the mass trial had been held in Kainji, Niger, but has now been moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja and is expected to conclude within a few days.

Several judges will preside over the proceedings, including Justice Binta Nyako, Justice James Omotosho, Justice Salim Ibrahim, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, Justice Hauwa Yilwa, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and Justice Peter Lifu, among others. A large number of defendants are set to appear, with 34 suspected terrorists listed on Justice Ibrahim's docket on Thursday alone, while 25 defendants were listed on Justice Lifu's court docket.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the team of government lawyers for the proceedings, while Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, represented the defense. The security situation was heightened around the court premises. In the previous phase, over 500 alleged terrorists were tried from April 7 to April 10 in Abuja, which the AGF deemed as phase nine of the mass trial exercise.