Nigeria has secured 44 convictions out of 54 individuals recently arraigned during Phase 7 of the Kainji Detention Facility Terrorism Trial, a move that underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its criminal justice system and combat terrorism.
The update was provided in a statement released Saturday in Abuja by Mr. Michael Abu, Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA).
Abu stated that 10 cases were adjourned, with proceedings held across four courts, each led by a Federal High Court judge. The new convictions bring Nigeria’s total to 785 terrorism-related convictions, including offences related to terrorism financing.
He added that the sentences handed down ranged from 10 to 30 years, all to be served with hard labour, highlighting both the gravity of the crimes and the government’s determination to uphold accountability and deter future acts of terror.
The trial phase began on Wednesday, July 9, with an opening ceremony that included remarks from Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC-ONSA, representing National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Also present was Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Both officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice and its determination to tackle terrorism through lawful and transparent means.
In the previous phase (Phase 6), 237 cases were heard, resulting in 200 convictions. Sentences ranged from 20 to 70 years, including life imprisonment and the death penalty, depending on the severity of each offence.
Abu concluded by noting that the convicted individuals had committed heinous crimes, including attacks on women and children, killings of civilians, abductions, and the destruction of religious sites, particularly during a violent assault on Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
