FG prosecutes 1,743 terrorism cases, secures 742 convictions in seven years

The Federal Government has successfully prosecuted 1,743 terrorism-related cases between 2017 and 2024, leading to 742 convictions, while 888 individuals were discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence or other reasons. Ninety-two cases remain adjourned.

This information was disclosed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

He provided details on the outcomes of various phases of the trials, highlighting the government’s efforts in combating terrorism and related crimes.

Babadoko gave a breakdown of the trial phases, starting with October 2017, where 50 individuals were convicted, 203 acquitted, and 28 cases adjourned. In February 2018, 203 individuals were convicted, 582 were acquitted, and 24 cases were adjourned. By July 2018, 113 individuals were convicted, 102 acquitted, and 9 cases adjourned.

In December 2023, there were 14 convictions, 1 acquittal, and 10 adjournments, while July 2024 saw 125 convictions with no acquittals and 21 adjournments. By December 2024, 237 convictions had been secured with no acquittals or adjournments.

“These cases involved terrorism, terrorism financing, and other related criminal activities, with sentences ranging from 60 years to life imprisonment,” Babadoko explained.

He further disclosed that in the past year alone, 515 cases were concluded, and over 800 individuals—comprising those who had served their terms or were acquitted—were transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe.

Operation Safe Corridor focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, in line with federal policy and court directives.

Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is exclusively for individuals cleared by the justice system.

“If evidence exists and you are convicted, you serve your sentence. The DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation) process is for those deemed unsuitable for imprisonment,” Mijinyawa explained.

He also urged the media to raise awareness about the DDRR program, which includes psychological evaluations, mental health support, family reunifications, and economic interventions for participants.

Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, discussed significant terrorist incidents in Nigeria, including the October 1, 2010, Independence Day bombing in Abuja and attacks on the Police Headquarters and United Nations building.

These attacks, orchestrated by Boko Haram under Abubakar Shekau, underscored the urgency of the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Laka praised the collaboration between stakeholders, including Federal High Court judges, prosecutors, Legal Aid Council defense counsel, and Nigerian Bar Association observers, in conducting mass trials.

He emphasized that these efforts have been critical in advancing national security and justice.

The Federal Government’s comprehensive approach demonstrates its commitment to addressing terrorism while upholding human rights and ensuring justice.