653 Terrorism Suspects Convicted in Ongoing Mass Trials, Says AGF
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has announced that 653 terrorism suspects have been convicted during the ongoing mass trials at the Federal High Court.
Fagbemi disclosed this at a press conference on Friday, October 23, 2026, saying 1,060 suspects were brought forward for trial during the 11th phase of the exercise, scheduled to run from October 19 to 24. He described the current phase as the largest since the mass trials began.
According to the Attorney-General, 880 cases had been handled by 12:15 pm on Friday, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges. He said the figures remained provisional because proceedings were still ongoing.
“For this 11th phase… we have 1,060 suspects brought for trial. We are not through with it. As at now, as at quarter past 12 today, we have had about 880 trials. Of these 880, 653 have been convicted, seven acquitted, 27 discharged,” Fagbemi said.
He attributed the progress to cooperation among the judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, security agencies and other institutions involved in the proceedings. He particularly commended the judges working under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who he said had been holding forth for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Fagbemi also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council. He said coordination among the institutions had supported the prosecution of terrorism-related offences.
On legal representation for defendants, the minister explained that the Legal Aid Council was not the only institution providing defence lawyers, as private legal practitioners were also participating. He said defence lawyers had engaged with suspects before their trials, including visiting detention facilities and helping them prepare their cases.
The Attorney-General further emphasised the importance of deradicalisation and rehabilitation for suspects who might eventually be discharged. He said reintegration support was necessary to help them return to society and reduce the risk of becoming involved in similar activities again. Fagbemi said final figures for the 11th phase would be announced after the exercise concludes.