The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday said the Federal Government was not taking the issue of terrorism lightly, declaring that the administration would continue to prosecute suspected terrorists to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
Fagbemi stated this at the commencement of a new phase of terrorism trials, involving hundreds of suspects facing terrorism-related charges.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the AGF said the ongoing proceedings underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle terrorism and other threats to national security.
“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.
According to him, the latest proceedings represent the fourth phase of terrorism trials undertaken since the inception of the current administration.
“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody, ” he said.
The AGF disclosed that nearly 600 suspects would be tried during the current phase, with proceedings expected to continue over the coming days.
Providing a breakdown of the figures, he said, “For this phase, the ones we have today, we have about 490. Tomorrow we will have 84. But this 84 does not include the 102 that was brought forward from the last phase.
“So in total, we have 600 plus to contend with for this phase, and we have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost to ensure that they clear this number for this phase,” he said.
The mass trial is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism, insurgency and related offences as part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity across the country.