FG Resumes Trial Of Boko Haram Terrorists

 

Federal government said it has resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram suspects in the country.

The trial is holding at the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Niger State.

The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, at the opening of the court session in Niger on Monday, said the first phase commenced in 2017.

According to him, the federal government in the 2017 trial secured a total of 366 convictions, while 896 others were discharged for lack of evidence.

He said, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this special event marking the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects.

“This day is special for many reasons. First, the day marks yet another step forward in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians, a duty that is of utmost importance to all of us gathered here, as it is the primary duty of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

"I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative. The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements: we recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for lack of sufficient evidence, and 61 other cases were adjourned for further hearing.

“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018. I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the wellbeing of our beloved country and her people.”

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said the resumed trial of terrorists demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights-based approach to countering terrorism.

Ribadu said his office had ensured the full participation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies towards the successful prosecution of all persons suspected of terrorism under the Terrorism Prevention Act.

The NSA said efforts have been made through training and capacity building of investigators and prosecutors towards an evidence-based trial and witness protection.

He therefore, called on all stakeholders to commit to the identified timeline for the completion of the trials, assuring them of the full support of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s counter terrorism strategies within a human rights framework.