The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has disclosed that 653 suspects have been convicted in the ongoing 11th phase of mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Fagbemi gave the update on Friday while reviewing the progress of the trials, saying 1,060 suspects were brought before the court during the exercise, which is the third phase conducted this year.
According to him, 880 cases had been tried as of noon on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
The AGF, however, said the exercise was still ongoing and that the final figures would be released after its conclusion. 
He described the current phase as the largest since the Federal Government commenced the special terrorism trials, attributing the progress to judicial cooperation, effective prosecution and collaboration among security and justice institutions.
Fagbemi commended the judges handling the cases under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
He also praised prosecution and defence counsel, as well as security and justice agencies involved in the exercise, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, military, police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council.
The AGF said the collaboration among the institutions had been critical to prosecuting terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences in the country.
He also acknowledged the role of journalists in informing the public about government efforts to tackle terrorism and other security challenges.
On the involvement of the Legal Aid Council in representing defendants, Fagbemi said the agency was fulfilling its mandate to provide legal assistance to eligible suspects.
He added that some defendants were also represented by private legal practitioners, noting that defence lawyers had been engaging with their clients before proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their defence.
The minister explained that some of the preparatory activities could not be made public because of the sensitive security considerations surrounding the cases.
On deradicalisation for suspects recommended by the court, Fagbemi said the programme remained an important component of the overall process.
He explained that deradicalisation was designed to help eligible individuals understand and renounce their actions, with the aim of facilitating their rehabilitation, reintegration and eventual return to society.
Fagbemi stressed that rehabilitation and reintegration were necessary complements to the judicial process and could help reduce the risk of former extremists returning to violent activities.
The ongoing trials are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability in the country’s response to insecurity.
