There was a heavy security presence at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as the Federal Government commenced another phase of mass trials of defendants charged with terrorism-related offences.

Security was heightened around the high-rise court building along Shehu Shagari Way in the Central Business District, where several courtrooms were engaged in the proceedings.

Among the judges presiding over the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.

No fewer than 34 defendants were listed on Justice Ibrahim’s cause list for Thursday’s proceedings, while another 25 were listed before Justice Lifu.

Some of those listed for arraignment before Justice Ibrahim include Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman and Usman Abubakar.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the Federal Government’s prosecution team during the proceedings.

On the defence side, the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, led the team of lawyers representing the defendants.

The mass trials, which are usually conducted at Kainji, Niger State, are expected to continue for several days at federal high court, Abuja .