Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, has revealed that over 360 Boko Haram terrorists have been convicted so far.
The AGF spoke amidst concerns that the Nigerian state has failed to secure convictions of members of the terror group who have killed and maimed many Nigerians, following their capture by security forces.
Some analysts who spoke on the issue said the captured terrorists must be punished for perpetrating the atrocities by convicting them of their crimes.
This is likely to serve as deterrence to others, according to them.
Speaking on Monday in Niger state, Fagbemi said the Federal Government has secured a total of 366 convictions in the trial of Boko Haram terrorists that was conducted in 2017.
The AGF who spoke at the commencement of the fourth phase of the trial of arrested Boko haram terrorists, said 896 terror suspects were discharged for lack of evidence while 61 other cases were subsequently adjourned for further hearing.
He warned that the trial must not be mismanaged to avoid severe consequence for the country.
According to him, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this special event marking the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects. This day is special for many reasons. First, the day marks yet another step forward in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians, a duty that is of utmost importance to all of us gathered here, as it is the primary duty of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.
“I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative. The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements where we recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for want of sufficient evidence and 61 other cases adjourned for further hearing.
“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018. I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the well-being of our beloved country and her people.
“Terrorism has cost us a lot as a nation. From the communities directly affected, to the staggering losses in human and material resources, displacements, political and economic instability, and the general atmosphere of fear it has created, all point to how crucial this exercise is to our progress and prosperity as a nation.
“Conversely, if the process is mismanaged and, as a result, the insecurity situation is allowed to fester, it may lead to existential crises in the very long run. I, therefore, pledge my total support to the cause as I urge the stakeholders once again to continue in a good job.”
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, convicted four Boko Haram financiers.
According to a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, the convicted felons are Modu Aisami, Zana Zarama, Umar Mohammed, and Bunu Kame.
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