Federal Government Begins New Terrorism Trials As Dozens Of Suspects Arraigned In Abuja

The Federal Government on Monday commenced the mass trial of another batch of suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a fresh phase in its ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism-related offences across the country.

The week-long proceedings are being conducted simultaneously in multiple courtrooms within the Federal High Court complex, with several judges assigned to hear cases involving dozens of defendants.

Security was significantly tightened around the court premises and across parts of Abuja's Central Business District as armed security operatives mounted checkpoints and restricted access to roads leading to the court complex.

The latest exercise follows earlier rounds of terrorism prosecutions conducted by the Federal Government, with authorities describing the trials as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and the rule of law in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

The prosecution team is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, is coordinating the defence team representing the suspects.

Among the judges presiding over the trials are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.

No fewer than 58 suspects were scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday alone. The defendants face various terrorism-related charges under Nigeria's anti-terrorism laws.

Those listed for trial include Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur, popularly known as Mai-Auduga and Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bell Doctor, among others.

The current proceedings come barely months after approximately 500 suspected terrorists were prosecuted between April 7 and April 10, 2026 during the ninth phase of the Federal Government's mass terrorism trial programme.

Speaking with journalists at the court premises, Fagbemi said the decision to move the proceedings from Kainji in Niger State to Abuja was largely informed by logistical considerations and the need for greater efficiency.

According to him, the Federal High Court in Abuja provides more courtroom facilities and enables multiple judges to sit simultaneously, thereby accelerating the hearing process.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court,” Fagbemi said.

“It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time. You know what it means. It means a lot.”

The Attorney-General reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that terrorism-related cases are diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law while guaranteeing fair hearing for all defendants.

The trials are expected to continue throughout the week, with additional suspects scheduled to appear before various judges handling the cases.