The Federal Government on Monday commenced another phase of the mass trial of suspected terrorists facing terrorism-related charges in Abuja, declaring its resolve to eradicate terrorism and related activities across the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who is leading the prosecution team disclosed that more than 600 suspects would be prosecuted during the current phase. Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

The proceedings, which were previously held in Kainji, Niger State, have been moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja for logistical reasons.

The trials, which are being conducted simultaneously in virtually all courtrooms of the Federal High Court, are expected to last until Thursday. Judges presiding over the cases include Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan, among others.

At least 58 suspects appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday. Among them are Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai-Auduga), and Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bell Doctor.

Most other cases scheduled before the court on Monday were adjourned to accommodate the terrorism trials.

Security was significantly heightened around the Federal High Court and the Central Business District of Abuja, with armed personnel blocking roads leading to the court premises.

NAN recalls that 500 suspected terrorists were tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja between April 7 and April 10 as part of Phase Nine of the mass trials.

Speaking with journalists, Fagbemi said the transfer of the proceedings from Kainji to Abuja was informed by logistics.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those handling terrorism cases are judges of the Federal High Court.

“It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges sitting at a time, and you know what that means. It means a lot,” he said.

The AGF said the government remained committed to eliminating terrorism from Nigeria.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody.

“The message is clear, direct, and straightforward. The present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism lightly, and that is why you see the ongoing trials.

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. Terrorism, in whatever form or shape, will not be tolerated or condoned,” he said.

“For this phase, we have about 490 suspects today and another 84 tomorrow. This number excludes the 102 cases carried over from the last phase. In total, we have more than 600 suspects to contend with.

“We have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost to clear this number during this phase,” he said.

He assured that the trials would be conducted in accordance with due process.

“We have about 10 judges devoted exclusively to these cases. They are handling no other matters apart from terrorism cases.

“I am optimistic and have received assurances from them that they will expedite the process without compromising the safeguards and oversight required,” he added.

According to him, several convictions have already been secured, while a comprehensive record of the proceedings will be compiled at the conclusion of the exercise.

“By the end of Thursday, we are optimistic that everything would have gone very well,” Fagbemi said.