ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday said the Federal Government is treating the issue of terrorism with utmost seriousness, adding that the administration will continue prosecuting suspected terrorists to safeguard the country.
Fagbemi made the remarks at the commencement of a new phase of terrorism trials involving hundreds of defendants facing terrorism-related charges.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the AGF said the ongoing trials reflect the government’s determination to confront terrorism and other security threats head-on.
“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.
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He noted that the latest proceedings mark the fourth phase of terrorism trials under the current administration.
“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody, ” he said.
Fagbemi revealed that nearly 600 suspects are expected to be tried in the current phase, with hearings set to continue in the coming days.
Breaking down the figures, he said, “For this phase, the ones we have today, we have about 490. Tomorrow we will have 84. But this 84 does not include the 102 that was brought forward from the last phase.
“So in total, we have 600 plus to contend with for this phase, and we have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost to ensure that they clear this number for this phase,” he said.
The mass trial forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism, insurgency and related offences in its wider push to address insecurity across the country.