The Federal Government on Thursday commenced a new phase of the mass trial of suspected terrorists as part of efforts to address the backlog of terrorism-related cases and accelerate the administration of justice.
The proceedings, traditionally held in Kainji, Niger State, were transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja and are expected to continue for several days. Several judges are handling the cases, including Justices Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.
Justice Salim Ibrahim’s cause list contained 34 defendants, while 25 defendants were listed before Justice Peter Lifu. Those scheduled for arraignment before Justice Ibrahim included Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman and Usman Abubakar.
The government’s legal team was led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation. The defence team was led by Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council.
Security was significantly strengthened around the court premises during the proceedings.
The latest exercise follows the previous phase, in which more than 500 alleged terrorists were tried in Abuja between April 7 and April 10. The Attorney-General of the Federation described that exercise as phase nine of the government’s mass trial initiative.
