The federal government has secured the conviction of 653 people charged with terrorism offences in the ongoing mass trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made this known during an interview with newsmen shortly after he attended some proceedings in the ongoing trial.
The AGF said since the commencement of the latest phase, about 880 cases had been determined by the courts, with seven suspected terrorists acquitted and 27 discharged.
“We are not through with the trial, but as at 12:15pm today, we had about 880 tried. Of the 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted and 27 discharged.
“But by tomorrow when we will conclude the exercise, we will be able to give the final figure.
“And if you also observe, this appears to be the largest since we started; and this is due to the cooperation and guidance we received from my lord and the judges who sat,” he said.
Fagbemi commended the judiciary, prosecution counsel and the defence team, alongside relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the proceedings.
The minister, however, corrected the impression that journalists were restrained from covering the proceedings. (NAN)
UPDATE NEWS:
Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.