The Federal Government has commenced a new round of mass trials of terrorism suspects. The trials opened on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Eight judges are hearing the cases in different courtrooms. The judges include Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite and Obiora Egwuatu. The rest are Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu. Judge Ibrahim scheduled thirty-four defendants for Thursday. Twenty-five were listed before Judge Lifu.
Nigeria has conducted mass terrorism trials since 2023. The first major round was in 2023, with over 300 suspects. In April 2026, the government prosecuted 508 defendants. That exercise produced 386 convictions, eight discharges and two acquittals. In June 2026, the government secured about 479 convictions. Twenty-eight defendants were discharged, and one was acquitted. The trials are part of the government’s effort to address the backlog of terrorism cases. The Nigerian Correctional Service holds thousands of suspects. Many have been detained for years without trial.
Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, led the prosecution team. Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, headed the defence team. Arraignment before Judge Ibrahim included Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman and Usman Abubakar. The trials are expected to last for a few days. The government is seeking convictions. The defence is seeking acquittals. The courts will decide.
Winners: The Federal Government, which shows judicial progress. The courts, which clear cases. Victims of terrorism, who may see justice. The Legal Aid Council, which represents the accused. Losers: The defendants, who face conviction and imprisonment. Those wrongly accused, who face prolonged detention. The correctional system, which remains overcrowded. The rule of law, if trials are rushed.
Bottom Line: Mass trials have resumed. Eight judges. Fifty-nine defendants. The government is prosecuting. The courts are deciding. The process is fast. Justice must be fair. The world is watching. Nigeria must deliver.