Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government on Monday, June 15, 2026, began a fresh mass trial of suspected terrorists, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, at the Federal High Court complex in Abuja. The exercise marks Phase 9 of the ongoing prosecution of terrorism suspects and is one of the largest judicial undertakings against insurgency in Nigeria’s history.
Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is personally leading the prosecution team. More than 400 suspects are being arraigned in batches simultaneously in several courtrooms, with many regular cases put on hold to allow judges to participate. Security around the Central Business District and the court complex has been significantly reinforced, with armed soldiers blocking roads leading to the court and military vehicles stationed at strategic locations.
Fagbemi explained that the trials were relocated from Kainji, Niger State, to Abuja for logistical convenience, as the Federal High Court complex offers more courtrooms and facilities, enabling multiple judges to hear cases at the same time. “Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court,” he said. “It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time, you know what it means. It means a lot.”
The arraignment is the second phase of a larger prosecution that began on April 7, 2026, when 227 suspects were first brought before ten judges of the Federal High Court sitting during the Easter vacation. By April 10, the Federal Government had secured convictions against 386 out of 508 defendants. Eight suspects were discharged and two were acquitted, while the trial of the remaining 112 was adjourned to the current session. Those convicted received jail terms ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of their offences. They were found guilty of participating directly in terrorist activities, particularly in northern Nigeria, as well as supporting terrorism through logistics, funding, and supplying food to members of the proscribed Boko Haram insurgency.
At the opening of the new session on Monday, no fewer than 58 suspected terrorists were listed for trial before Justice Emeka Nwite. Among those facing charges are Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (also known as Mai‑Auduga), and Bello Liman, alias Alhaji Bell Doctor. In earlier proceedings, Justice Binta Nyako sentenced four defendants for offences including membership of Boko Haram, provision of material support, handling of funds, and terrorism financing; she refused pleas for leniency in a case where a defendant was convicted of supplying cattle and goats to the terrorist group, describing his conduct as “gruesome”.
The prosecution is supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is providing legal representation for indigent defendants. Aliyu Abubakar, Director‑General of the Legal Aid Council, noted that many defendants admitted to the charges, which simplified defence representation. He observed that convictions often arise from association with Boko Haram, even where active participation is absent, as association itself constitutes an offence under the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Act.
The proceedings are open to observers, and representatives from Amnesty International, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission are in attendance to ensure transparency and adherence to due process. Security expert and retired army major, Bashir Galma, described the mass trial as a “positive development” and a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. He noted that for years Nigerians have complained about suspects being kept in custody without facing the law, and that this process would bring some level of peace for people whose loved ones were killed or injured. The trial would also dispel rumours that suspects were routinely released to resume their terrorist activities, he said.
The mass trial is expected to last for one week, with hearings taking place in all courtrooms of the Federal High Court. The unprecedented judicial effort, which has seen judges sacrifice their vacation time, sends a strong message that terrorism and related crimes will not be tolerated. As the prosecution unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice will finally be served for the thousands of victims who have lost their lives to the brutal insurgency that has ravaged the North‑East for nearly two decades.
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