The Federal Government on Tuesday commenced a fresh round of mass trials for suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court, temporarily shifting proceedings from Kainji to the nation’s capital.
The relocation comes as the court begins its Easter vacation, which runs from April 7 to April 13. Despite the break, designated judges are sitting to handle urgent matters—chief among them, terrorism-related cases.
In one of the sessions, about 20 suspects were arraigned before Emeka Nwite, as the Abuja division of the court turned into a hub of intensified judicial activity. No fewer than 13 courtrooms are currently engaged with similar cases.
Other judges presiding over the trials include Binta Nyako, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete, reflecting a coordinated push within the judiciary to fast-track terrorism prosecutions.
Leading the Federal Government’s legal team is Rotimi Oyedepo, while defence counsel for the accused are headed by Aliyu Abubakar.
The suspects facing trial include Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, and several others linked to terrorism-related offences.
Security around the court complex was visibly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at strategic points and access roads sealed off. A police helicopter was also seen patrolling the skies over Abuja’s Central Business District, underscoring the sensitivity of the trials.
The development signals renewed efforts by authorities to quicken the pace of terrorism cases, while maintaining strict security as the high-profile proceedings unfold.
FG Moves Terror Trials to Abuja Amid Tight Security
