The Federal Government has secured a total of 2,512 convictions in terrorism-related cases over the last nine years, the National Counter Terrorism Centre has said.
The National Coordinator of the Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the conclusion of the 11th phase of terrorism trials at the Federal High Court.
Laka said the latest phase, which was conducted in October, produced 791 convictions from 1,069 cases handled by 10 courts.
He explained that the first 10 phases of the special trials had yielded 1,721 convictions, while the additional 791 convictions recorded in the latest exercise brought the total to 2,512.
According to him, the outcomes of the 11th phase included seven acquittals, 41 discharges, four cases struck out and three cases withdrawn.
He added that 211 cases were adjourned, 11 remained pending, while one case was classified under another category.
Laka said the trials reflected the government’s determination to prosecute terrorism-related offences, hold perpetrators and financiers accountable, and strengthen the justice system while respecting the rule of law and defendants’ fundamental rights.
He noted that the judgments demonstrated that individuals involved in terrorism could be held accountable, regardless of their affiliations, where their criminal responsibility was established beyond reasonable doubt.
Terrorism trial: Court sentences Boko Haram member to death
The National Coordinator also disclosed that one of the major outcomes of the latest phase was the conviction and death sentence imposed on Suleiman Abu.
Abu was found guilty in the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Suleiman Abu, over his membership of Boko Haram and participation in attacks on military facilities and civilians.
The attacks were said to have resulted in deaths and serious injuries.
Laka said the outcome underscored the seriousness with which the country’s justice system treats terrorism and related offences.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that those found culpable are brought before the law.
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