BLESSING OMALE, Abuja
The Federal Government has prosecuted 1,743 terrorism-related cases between 2017 and 2024, securing 742 convictions, while 888 individuals were discharged or acquitted, and 92 cases remain adjourned.
This was disclosed by Mohammed Babadoko, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He detailed the outcomes of various trial phases and highlighted the government’s efforts in addressing terrorism and related crimes.
Babadoko provided a detailed timeline of convictions and acquittals over the years.
In October 2017, there were 50 convictions, 203 acquittals, and 28 adjournments. By February 2018, 203 convictions were recorded alongside 582 acquittals and 24 adjournments. In July 2018, 113 convictions were secured, with 102 acquittals and 9 adjournments.
Moving forward to December 2023, there were 14 convictions, 1 acquittal, and 10 adjournments. In July 2024, 125 convictions were recorded without any acquittals, while 21 cases were adjourned. Finally, in December 2024, the government secured 237 convictions, with no acquittals or adjournments.
“These cases involve terrorism, terrorism financing, and other related criminal activities, with sentences ranging from 60 years to life imprisonment,” Babadoko stated.
Babadoko revealed that in the past year alone, 515 cases were concluded, and over 800 individuals — including those acquitted or who had served their sentences — were transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, emphasized that the deradicalisation process under Operation Safe Corridor applies exclusively to individuals cleared by the courts.
“If evidence exists and you are convicted, you serve your sentence. Operation Safe Corridor and the DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation) process is strictly for those deemed unsuitable for imprisonment,” Mijinyawa clarified.
He called on the media to raise awareness about the DDRR program, which includes psychological evaluations, family reunifications, mental health support, and economic interventions aimed at reintegrating participants into society.
Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, recounted major terrorist attacks in Nigeria, such as the October 1, 2010, Independence Day bombing in Abuja, the Police Headquarters bombing, and the United Nations building attack, all linked to Boko Haram under Abubakar Shekau’s leadership.
He praised the collaboration of Federal High Court judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers from the Legal Aid Council, and observers from the Nigerian Bar Association in ensuring the success of the mass trials.
“These trials are crucial for national security and justice,” Laka remarked, highlighting the collective effort in countering terrorism through judicial processes.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism, ensuring justice, and supporting reintegration programs to foster long-term peace and security in the country.
For a better society
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