The Federal Government has reported 653 convictions in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court, with the final tally still pending.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi gave the figures on Friday, October 23. He said about 880 cases had been handled by 12:15pm, with seven acquittals and 27 discharges also recorded.
According to Punch, 1,060 suspects were brought before the court for the 11th phase of the mass trials, scheduled for October 19 to 24. Fagbemi described this phase as the largest since the exercise began and the third held this year.
He credited cooperation between the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, and security agencies for the progress. He particularly commended judges sitting under Justice Binta Nyako, whom he said was standing in for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Fagbemi said the Legal Aid Council was not the only organisation providing lawyers for defendants. Private lawyers were also taking part, and defence teams had visited detention facilities and met suspects to prepare their cases before the hearings.
He also said rehabilitation should include deradicalisation to help people discharged from the proceedings reintegrate into society.
Sources: Punch, Daily Trust
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