Nigeria Resumes Mass Trial of Terrorism Suspects
The Federal Government of Nigeria has resumed the mass trial of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and other heinous crimes against the state. According to a statement by Michael Abu, Head of Strategic Communication, National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser, NCTC-ONSA, the trial is aimed at promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system.
The ongoing trial is in line with the International Criminal Justice system and is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. Abu stated that the Complex Casework Group, CCG, of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other critical stakeholders are also involved in the trial.
The trial involves multiple stakeholders, including CCG prosecutors and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, LACON. Abu revealed that more than 300 suspects are on trial, with five reputable judges manning the five courts and Chambers set up for speedy administration of justice.
The statement added that before the trial, more than 800 case files had been reviewed, and charges were drafted for efficient prosecution. Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and 5 acquittals.
Abu also stated that suspects who are incapable of being rehabilitated are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained. The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities to fulfill its mandates and boost efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.
The resumption of the mass trial is a significant step towards ensuring that justice is served to those who have committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian state.
