About 125 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have been convicted of multiple serious offenses. The trial, which took place over two days in Kainji, Niger State, ended with significant legal outcomes for those involved in terrorism and its support networks.
The court, operating under the Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five initiative, was presided over by a panel of five judges, including Justice Binta Nyako, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, and Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. This high-profile trial was supervised by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The prosecution was spearheaded by Director of Public Prosecution Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defense was managed by Mr. Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aid Council. International observers, including representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), were present to ensure transparency throughout the process.
The convictions were substantial: 85 individuals were found guilty of terrorism financing, 22 were convicted of crimes related to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and others faced charges directly related to terrorism. The sentences varied, reflecting the severity of their crimes.
Additionally, 400 defendants who had previously completed their sentences are being transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State. This program focuses on rehabilitation, deradicalization, and the reintegration of former extremists into society.
