FG Begins Another Phase Of Mass Trial Of Suspected Terrorists In Abuja

Some of the suspected terrorists billed for arraignment before Justice Peter Lifu on Thursday

The Federal Government on Thursday began another phase of mass trial of suspected terrorists charged with terrorism offences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial, which usually takes place at Kainji in Niger, commenced at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A number of courts at the high-rise building located along Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District in Abuja, are currently engaged in the trial. The trial is expected to last for few days.

Some of the trial judges include Justice Binta Nyako, Justice James Omotosho, Justice Salim Ibrahim, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, Justice Hauwa Yilwa, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Justice Peter Lifu, among others.

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

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

Although the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), usually lead the Federal Government’s team, as at the time of this reports, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, led the team of the government’s lawyers for the proceedings.

On the part of the defence, Aliyu Abubakar, the Director General, Legal Aid Council, led the team of lawyers for the suspected terrorists.

NAN reports that there was heavy security beef-up in and around the court.