Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has achieved 1,743 convictions across six phases of terrorism trials since 2017, with 742 individuals convicted, 888 discharged or acquitted, and 92 cases adjourned.
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko, revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He said, “In October 2017, 50 were convicted; 203 were discharged/acquitted; and 28 were adjourned. In February 2018, 203 were convicted; 582 were discharged/acquitted; and 24 were adjourned. In July 2018, 113 were convicted; 102 were discharged/acquitted; and 9 were adjourned.
“In December 2023, 14 were convicted; 1 was acquitted; and 10 were adjourned. In July 2024, 125 were convicted; none were acquitted; and 21 cases were adjourned.
“In December 2024, 237 were convicted; none were acquitted; and no cases were adjourned.”
Babadoko noted that some convictions carried sentences ranging from 60 years to life imprisonment.
He added that in the past year, about 515 cases were resolved, and over 800 individuals — including those discharged or who completed 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, explained that Operation Safe Corridor only applies to individuals not found guilty of any crime.
He said, “If there is evidence, and you go through the trial and are convicted, you serve your sentence. The DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation) process is reserved for those deemed unsuitable for imprisonment by the court.”
Mijinyawa stressed that the programme includes psychological evaluations, family reunification, mental health care, and economic support.
Major General Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, recalled key terrorist attacks, including the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing, and subsequent assaults on the UN building and Police Headquarters in Abuja.
He highlighted that judges, prosecutors, defence counsel, and representatives from various government agencies, along with observers from the Nigerian Bar Association and the press, participated in the mass trials.