The Federal Government has resumed the mass trial of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and and other serious crimes against the Nigerian State.
This information was provided by Mr. Michael Abu, Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
Abu stated that the resumption of the trials reflects the government’s dedication to promoting social justice through a transparent administrative system.
He explained that the ongoing trials are consistent with the International Criminal Justice system and are being conducted by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
He also mentioned that the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other key stakeholders are participating in the process.
According to Abu, the coordination and supervision of these trials are managed by the NCTC-ONSA.
Abu noted that over 300 suspects are currently on trial, with five distinguished judges overseeing the five courts and chambers established to expedite the administration of justice.
He stated that the trials involve multiple stakeholders, including CCG prosecutors and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
“Before now, more than 800 case files had been reviewed, and charges were drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and 5 acquittals.
“Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.
“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boosting efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society,” he said. (NAN)
