FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue

The Federal Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism efforts, securing approximately 150 terrorism convictions within the first 48 hours of the latest phase of mass terrorism trials taking place at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the court premises, where hundreds of terrorism-related cases are being heard simultaneously before a panel of judges.

According to Fagbemi, the ongoing exercise, which commenced on Monday, has already yielded significant results, with about 160 cases heard on the first day alone and roughly 150 convictions secured.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” the AGF said.

He further revealed that proceedings on Tuesday involved approximately 300 additional cases, with another 84 matters expected to be concluded before the end of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.

The mass terrorism trials are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen accountability, accelerate the prosecution of terrorism suspects, and reinforce national security efforts against insurgency and violent extremism.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from Nigerians as the exercise progresses, noting that the government remains committed to ensuring justice is served through lawful and transparent judicial processes.

The Attorney-General described the ongoing proceedings as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials conducted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the government is determined to send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated in any form.

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“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking,” he stated.

The current phase involves suspects facing charges ranging from terrorism, terrorism financing, conspiracy, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and other offences linked to extremist groups operating in different parts of the country.

To facilitate speedy hearings, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court constituted a special panel of judges to simultaneously handle cases across multiple courtrooms.

Among the judges presiding over the trials are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.

The prosecution team is being led by Fagbemi alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team representing indigent defendants.

Unlike previous phases conducted in Kainji, Niger State, the latest round of terrorism trials is taking place in Abuja to accommodate a larger number of cases and improve judicial efficiency.

Security has also been significantly tightened around the Federal High Court complex, with armed security personnel deployed across strategic locations to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings.

The latest exercise follows another major round of prosecutions conducted between April 7 and April 10, 2026, during which the Federal Government secured convictions against 386 terrorism suspects out of 508 cases heard before 10 courts.

Government officials say the ongoing trials form part of a broader effort to dismantle terrorist networks, strengthen the rule of law and ensure that individuals involved in acts of terrorism face justice.

The Federal Government has also maintained that the trials are being conducted in accordance with both domestic laws and international legal standards, with provisions made for legal representation and due process throughout the proceedings.

With hundreds of cases still pending, authorities say the current phase of the trials will continue through Thursday, while additional hearings may follow as part of Nigeria’s sustained campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue