FG Secures 653 Terrorism Convictions as 880 Cases Decided in Abuja Mass Trial — AGF Fagbemi
NIGERIA
FG Secures 653 Terrorism Convictions as 880 Cases Decided in Abuja Mass Trial — AGF Fagbemi
The Federal Government has secured 653 convictions in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has disclosed.
Fagbemi disclosed the figures on Friday, 24 October 2026, shortly after attending proceedings in the latest phase of the trial, describing it as one of the most significant exercises since the mass trials began.
According to the AGF, 1,060 suspects were brought before the court during the 11th phase of the mass trials, scheduled between October 19 and 24, 2026, which he described as the largest since the exercise began.
As of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, 880 cases had been handled, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He added that the final figures would be released after the conclusion of the exercise on Saturday.
“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,” Fagbemi told reporters.
“But by tomorrow when we will conclude the exercise, we will be able to give the final figure.”
Fagbemi attributed the scale and pace of the proceedings to strong institutional cooperation, noting the guidance provided by the presiding judges under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been holding forth for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
He particularly commended the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, as well as security and other relevant agencies involved in the exercise, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council.
This is the third phase this year alone, and generally the 11th phase since the mass trials began, according to the AGF. The collaboration among the agencies has been instrumental in prosecuting terrorism-related offences.
The mass trials are part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to address terrorism and insecurity, with hundreds of suspects facing charges related to Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorism-related activities. The Federal Government has continued to emphasise due process, with acquittals and discharges recorded alongside convictions.
As the exercise concludes, Nigerians await the final tally, which is expected to provide a clearer picture of the scale of convictions and the implications for national security and justice delivery.