Federal High Court Begins Mass Trial of Terrorism Suspects in Abuja

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday commenced the mass trial of suspected terrorists facing charges related to terrorism offences across the country.

The proceedings, typically held in Kainji, Niger State, were temporarily relocated to Abuja due to the court’s Easter vacation, which began on April 7 and is scheduled to end on April 13. Regular sittings are expected to resume across all divisions on April 14.

The relocation was aimed at ensuring continuity in the hearing of terrorism-related cases during the vacation period.

Reports indicate that no fewer than 13 courts within the Abuja division are currently handling various terrorism cases.

Some of the presiding judges include Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, about 20 suspects were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite for trial.

The Federal Government’s prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, while the defence team was headed by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar.

Some of the defendants listed before Justice Binta Nyako include Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu, and Abdullahi Ali, among others.

The suspects are facing charges bordering on terrorism offences.

Security was significantly heightened around the court premises as proceedings began. Armed personnel were deployed across the court complex located in Abuja’s Central Business District, with roads leading to the facility blocked.

A police helicopter was also observed hovering over the area as part of measures to maintain security and order during the trials.