Terrorism trial phase Abuja begins as FG prosecutes over 600 suspects, with convictions already recorded in ongoing mass terrorism hearings

The Federal Government has commenced a fresh phase of coordinated terrorism prosecutions in Abuja, bringing hundreds of suspected terrorists before multiple courts in what officials described as a sustained effort to strengthen national security and accountability.

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The proceedings are being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who reaffirmed that the administration would not treat terrorism-related offences with leniency.

The Terrorism Trial Phase Abuja involves simultaneous hearings across several courtrooms, with cases scheduled to run for one week as part of the government’s broader counterterrorism strategy.

Judges handling the matters include Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, who are presiding over various dockets involving the suspects.

At least 58 suspects were listed before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday alone, with more than 600 individuals expected to be tried during the current phase of proceedings.

The defendants include individuals such as Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (also known as Mai-Auduga), and Bello Liman, popularly called Bell Doctor.

According to the Attorney-General, this marks the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials under the current administration, following earlier sittings that saw hundreds of suspects arraigned in previous sessions.

He said the government remains fully committed to ensuring that those accused of terrorism and related offences are prosecuted through due process, stressing that national security remains a top priority.

During the proceedings, two suspects were convicted after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences before Justice Binta Nyako.

One of the convicts, Ali Mustapha, a 55-year-old farmer from Katara village in Borno State, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for allegedly concealing information about Boko Haram activities.

The court ordered that the sentence take effect from 2013, when he was first arrested.

In a separate ruling, Isa Isiaka, a father of 11 children, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after admitting guilt to failing to disclose information regarding Boko Haram operations.

Justice Nyako rejected pleas for leniency in both cases, imposing custodial sentences without the option of fines.

Officials said the Terrorism Trial Phase Abuja forms part of a wider national effort to address insurgency, improve accountability and deter collaboration with extremist groups.

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The Federal Government stated that further phases of the mass trials are expected as investigations continue and additional suspects are processed through the justice system.