FG Convicts 653 Suspects in Mass Terrorism Trials — AGF

The Federal Government has secured 653 convictions in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has said.

Fagbemi disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on the 11th phase of the mass trials, which ran from October 19 to 24, 2026.

According to the AGF, 1,060 suspects were brought before the courts during the exercise. As of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, 880 cases had been heard, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.

He described the exercise as the largest since the government began conducting special mass trials for terrorism-related offences, adding that the final figures would be released after the proceedings concluded.

Fagbemi attributed the progress to cooperation among the judiciary, prosecution and defence counsel, as well as security and other government agencies involved in the process.

He commended the judges handling the cases, particularly Justice Binta Nyako, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional authorities and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

The minister also clarified that the Legal Aid Council was not the only institution providing legal representation to defendants, noting that private legal practitioners were also involved in defending some of the suspects.

He said defence lawyers had been given opportunities to meet their clients before proceedings, including visits to detention facilities to discuss their cases and prepare their defence.

Fagbemi further highlighted the role of deradicalisation and rehabilitation in the justice process, saying individuals recommended for discharge would undergo relevant assessments to support their reintegration into society.

The mass trials form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences, including terrorism financing and providing support to extremist groups.

The proceedings are being conducted by the Federal High Court with support from justice and security agencies as authorities seek to address the backlog of terrorism cases.