Terrorism Trials: Nigeria Records 2,512 Convictions,1 Death Sentence – ONSA

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has secured 2,512 convictions in 11 phases of terrorism trials, with 791 convictions recorded in the latest phase, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has said.

NCTC national coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, disclosed this at a press briefing on the outcome of the 11th phase of terrorism trials conducted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, between October 15 and October 24, which handled 1,069 cases across 10 courts.

He said the outcomes included 791 convictions, seven acquittals, 41 discharges, four cases struck out and three withdrawn.

According to him, 211 cases were adjourned, 11 remained pending, while one case was recorded under another category.

Laka said the first 10 phases had produced 1,721 convictions, bringing the cumulative figure to 2,512 following the latest exercise.

He described the outcome as a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring accountability for terrorism-related offences and strengthening the administration of criminal justice.

The NCTC coordinator said a significant outcome was the conviction and death sentence imposed on Suleiman Abu for membership of Boko Haram and participation in attacks on military facilities and civilians.

He said the attacks resulted in deaths and serious injuries, adding that the judgment demonstrated that perpetrators of terrorism would be held accountable when their guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt.

Laka, however, stressed the importance of judicial independence, constitutional rights and due process in the determination and enforcement of court decisions. He disclosed that 201 terrorism-financing cases were also handled during the latest phase, stressing that disrupting the financial networks that support terrorism remained central to the country’s counterterrorism strategy.

According to him, terrorism financing networks provide resources for weapons, recruitment, movement and operational activities of terrorist groups. He said the Federal Government would strengthen cooperation among investigative, prosecutorial, financial intelligence and other relevant institutions to identify and dismantle such networks.

Laka emphasised that the objective of the trials was not to secure convictions at all costs but to ensure that every case was determined fairly and in accordance with the law.

He said acquittals, discharges and other judicial outcomes were equally important components of a credible justice system. The coordinator also called for sustained support for victims and survivors of terrorism, including rehabilitation, psychological assistance, access to justice and restoration of affected communities. He said witnesses and victims required adequate protection against intimidation, threats and reprisals to enable them to participate safely in investigations and prosecutions.

Laka attributed the outcomes to institutional cooperation, effective case preparation, evidence management and the timely production of defendants and witnesses. He commended the Federal High Court, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, prosecuting counsel, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, defence counsel and security agencies for their contributions. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for the country’s counterterrorism efforts.

Laka reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the fight against terrorism through security operations, prosecution, prevention and inter-agency cooperation. He said the ultimate objective remained the protection of lives, the restoration of affected communities, and the safeguarding of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Speaking on the prosecution of collaborators, the Director of Legal Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, said the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, provided for a broad range of offences beyond direct participation in terrorist attacks.

Mijinyawa said the provisions covered preparatory offences, providing support to terrorism, financing, facilitating terrorist activities and other forms of collaboration. He said individuals and organisations could face prosecution for knowingly supporting terrorists, even where the support did not directly result in an attack.

He cited the prohibition of support to terrorism, which attracts a minimum 20-year prison sentence, and the offence of renting property to terrorists. Mijinyawa also said companies found to have received terrorist financing could face a fine of N200 million, irrespective of whether the funds were eventually used to commit a terrorist offence.

He urged Nigerians, particularly media practitioners and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the relevant provisions of the law to better understand the country’s counterterrorism prosecution strategy.

On the rights of defendants, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said the government would not prosecute anyone without sufficient evidence to establish a case to answer.

Oyedepo said the prosecution process involved collaboration among investigative agencies, arresting authorities, prosecutors, security institutions and the judiciary.

He said about 1,047 charges were filed during the latest phase, describing the exercise as evidence of the capacity of relevant institutions to handle complex terrorism-related cases. He explained that cases found to have insufficient evidence were subjected to legal review, with appropriate recommendations made to the investigating agencies.

According to him, persons not indicted after investigations are recommended for release, rehabilitation and safe reintegration into society. Oyedepo said such persons might require psychological support and community-based rehabilitation to overcome trauma and avoid being exposed to further security risks.

He also said defendants were not taken to court without legal representation, explaining that the prosecution transmitted relevant information to the Legal Aid Council to facilitate legal support. He added that private legal practitioners were also allowed to represent defendants, while international organisations, non-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions were invited to observe the proceedings.

Oyedepo said the judiciary independently assessed the evidence presented by the prosecution and determined whether it met the required legal threshold. He stressed that the process was guided by defendants’ constitutional rights and the principle of a fair hearing. On the possibility of compensation for persons wrongly accused or whose rights were violated, Oyedepo said the Constitution provided legal remedies, including damages and apologies where ordered by competent courts.

He said the government would ensure that genuine cases of wrongful prosecution or violation of rights received appropriate attention in accordance with the law. Also speaking, the Technical Assistant to the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mr Hassan Dauda, said defendants were given opportunities to interact with legal representatives before being brought to trial.

Dauda said legal teams visited detention facilities in Kainji and Maiduguri to interview defendants and assess their cases in a conducive environment.

He said the arrangement was part of coordinated efforts by government institutions to ensure that defendants enjoyed their constitutional right to legal representation, particularly in capital cases.

According to him, defendants who wish to engage private lawyers may do so through the appropriate procedures.