Nigeria convicts 653 in largest terrorism mass trial to date

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed on Friday that 653 people have been found guilty of offences linked to terrorism in a Federal High Court in Abuja. The announcement came as part of the 11th phase of a special series of trials that began earlier this year, with a total of 880 cases already heard. Of the 1,060 suspects brought before the courts since the programme started, the latest figures show seven acquittals and 27 discharges, while the remaining cases continue to be processed.

Fagbemi made the statement while briefing journalists on the progress of the trials, which he described as the largest phase since the government launched the special terrorism prosecutions. He credited the outcome to coordinated efforts among the judiciary, prosecution, defence counsel and a range of security agencies, and thanked the judges, particularly Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho.

Background

The mass trial programme was instituted to address a surge in terrorist activity, especially by Boko Haram and its offshoots, and to tackle related crimes such as financing and concealment of information. The Federal Government’s strategy includes both criminal prosecution and deradicalisation measures aimed at reintegrating eligible individuals into society. In 2022, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit identified 96 suspected financiers of terrorism, 424 associates, 123 companies, and 33 bureau de change operators linked to extremist funding, as well as 26 suspected bandits and seven co‑conspirators.

Earlier in the year, the court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, sentenced Hamat Modu to 40 years in prison for providing logistical support to Boko Haram in Borno State. Additional convictions have included sentences of 45 years and 12 years for other defendants who admitted to concealing information about the group’s operations. The trial panel has also involved Justices James Omotosho and Salim Ibrahim, who have monitored proceedings alongside Justice Nyako.

Why it matters

The convictions represent a significant step in the government’s effort to curb terrorism and its financing across Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions that have experienced repeated attacks. By securing convictions, the authorities aim to deter future extremist activity and demonstrate that the legal system can hold perpetrators accountable. The involvement of multiple agencies—including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council—highlights the inter‑agency collaboration deemed essential for prosecuting complex terrorism cases.

Defence representation has been provided both by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council and private practitioners, with counsel reporting that they have been preparing clients in detention facilities, although some preparatory activities remain confidential for security reasons. The government also emphasised the role of deradicalisation programmes, describing them as crucial for helping convicted individuals understand and regret their actions, thereby reducing the risk of recidivism.

What happens next

The Attorney General indicated that the trial series remains active and that final statistics will be released once the current phase concludes. Ongoing cases will continue to be heard, with some defendants who pleaded not guilty remaining in remand for further trial. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that terrorism, its financing and related activities receive no tolerance, suggesting that additional phases of the mass trial are likely to proceed until all suspects are adjudicated.