Aleke Aleke, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection, and banditry as over 200 terrorists have been successfully prosecuted and convicted during the just-concluded Phase 6 Terrorism Trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility from December 9 to 13, 2024.
Sources at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre Office of the National Security Adviser hinted that a total of 237 cases were heard from the trials.
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The convicted individuals received various sentences, ranging from death penalty to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years, reflecting the severity of their crimes.
A statement from NCTC said among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
Additionally, it was gathered that individuals involved in terrorism, financing, a critical enabler of violent activities, were sentenced to life imprisonment, underscoring the Federal Government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks.
NCTC management noted that this achievement highlights the government’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of terrorism and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
The trials, presided over by five Federal High Court judges, were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, mark a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation oversaw the trials in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“This coordinated effort ensured a transparent and efficient judicial process, the sustenance of effective administration of justice. While the Department of the Public Prosecution of the Federation continues to lead and mobilising for fair, transparent and efficient judicial process which is a critical step in reinforcing public trust in the country’s justice system, reinforcing public trust in the Nigeria’s justice system.
“While the Department of the Public Prosecutions led the legal process, the NCTC-ONSA coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism measures, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable, protect victims’ rights and uphold the rule of law.
“At the Phase 5 of the Terrorism Trial that took place in July this year, 143 cases were heard with 125 convictions.” The source hinted.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the administration has significantly strengthened the capacities of institutions, including the military, police, intelligence, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to facilitate the swift and effective administration of justice.
Measures have also been implemented to ensure the safety of judicial officers, witnesses, and other stakeholders involved in the trials.
This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in prosecuting terrorism-related cases and aligns with international conventions aimed at protecting fundamental rights.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the National Security Adviser , Nuhu Ribadu commended the judiciary, military, police, and other security agencies for their dedication to this landmark achievement.
They urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, as the nation strives toward a safer and a more secure future.
