The Federal High Court in Abuja recently concluded a significant four-day mass trial of suspected terrorists, resulting in the conviction of 386 individuals. Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced these results on Friday, highlighting a high conviction rate among the 508 defendants prosecuted by his office.

During the special proceedings, which ran from Tuesday to Friday, a total of 508 cases were brought before ten courts. Out of these, 386 defendants were convicted, predominantly members of Boko Haram, receiving various jail terms ranging from five years to life imprisonment. These sentences were determined by the gravity of the charges and in some cases, their open court confessions. In addition to the convictions, eight defendants were discharged, and two were acquitted. The cases of 112 other suspects were adjourned to the next phase of the mass trial, slated for between June 15 and 18, 2026.

Mr. Fagbemi underscored the government's commitment to due process and transparency throughout the trials. He affirmed that only those found culpable were convicted, stating, "Anybody who is not guilty will not be sent to jail." The proceedings were conducted under public view, with key stakeholders present, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Human Rights Commission, various civil society organizations, and the media, all ensuring adherence to legal procedures.

The AGF emphasized that these mass trials send a clear and unequivocal signal against terrorism and its financing within Nigeria. He stated, "As far as the Nigerian space is concerned, there is no space for them. We will not be able to accommodate them. We have been able to bring them to justice." This judicial action serves to reinforce the message that heinous crimes like terrorism will not be tolerated.

Fagbemi commended the Federal High Court and its leadership, led by Chief Judge John Tsoho, as well as the team of judges, including Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete, for their diligent work and for sacrificing their Easter holiday to conduct these special sittings. He also mentioned that convicted individuals would undergo rehabilitation as part of post-sentencing measures aimed at their reintegration into society.