Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The judicial proceedings, which began on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges, with over 600 suspects facing charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, and aiding and abetting insurgent activities.
Fagbemi told journalists at the Federal High Court complex that the exercise recorded about 160 trials on its first day, leading to roughly 150 convictions. “Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” the AGF said, adding that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day. “Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added, appealing for patience from members of the public as the exercise continues.
The mass trial initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to clear the backlog of terrorism cases and accelerate justice for offences linked to insurgency, banditry and armed criminal networks across the country. The current phase, which is expected to run through Thursday and last a total of one week, marks the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration. The previous phase, conducted between April 7 and April 10, saw no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists tried before the Federal High Court, with 386 convictions secured from 508 cases.
Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously. The prosecution team is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director‑General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team providing legal representation for indigent defendants. The scale of the exercise has disrupted regular court proceedings, with several earlier‑scheduled matters adjourned to accommodate the terrorism trials.
In one of the judgments delivered during the proceedings, a 55‑year‑old farmer, Ali Mustapha, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for concealing information about the activities of the Boko Haram sect in Katara village, Borno State. Mustapha, who pleaded guilty to the charge, told the court in mitigation that there were no government officials or security agencies in his remote village to whom he could have reported the terrorists’ activities. Justice Binta Nyako, in convicting and sentencing him, ordered that the 15‑year term shall commence from 2013, the year of his arrest and detention. In a separate judgment, a Maiduguri‑based businessman, Umar Bashir, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for terrorism financing. Bashir, who described himself as a major dealer in perfume oil and a Point‑of‑Sale operator, was found guilty of using his bank account to facilitate financial transactions for members of the Boko Haram sect. He admitted to receiving ₦5 million from a Boko Haram member and transferring the funds, earning a commission of ₦20,000. Justice Nyako declined a plea for leniency, stating that the law must take its natural course.
Speaking on the broader significance of the exercise, Fagbemi said the message is clear, direct and straightforward: the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. “Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” he declared. “We will fight with every drop of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody.”
The mass trial, which is traditionally conducted in Kainji, Niger State, was relocated to Abuja for the current proceedings to improve logistics and access to judicial facilities. The ongoing exercise represents one of the largest coordinated terrorism prosecution efforts undertaken by the Federal Government in recent years, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and strengthen the rule of law in the country’s security response. The proceedings are expected to continue on Wednesday and Thursday, with hundreds more cases scheduled for hearing.
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