The Federal Government on Tuesday opened the trial of 500 suspects accused of involvement in terror attacks across northern Nigeria at the Abuja Federal High Court.
The suspects are alleged to have participated in attacks that killed over 2,000 Nigerians and caused extensive property destruction. Some were also accused of providing direct or indirect support to terrorist groups through finance, arms, ammunition, or supplies.
The prosecution is led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, with support from the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The defense team is headed by the Director of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliu Bagudu Abubakar, alongside several lawyers.
A total of 227 suspects were brought before 10 judges of the Federal High Court. Fagbemi thanked the judges for working through the Easter holiday to ensure the trial proceeded without delay.
To maintain transparency, representatives from international bodies, including Amnesty International, human rights organizations, and the Nigeria Bar Association, were invited to observe the proceedings.
The suspects were transported in secure trucks under heavy protection from armed soldiers, Department of State Services operatives, and the police.
During proceedings, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako sentenced several individuals for supplying goods and information to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. Hamatu Modu received 40 years for providing foodstuffs and intelligence, while Isah Ali was sentenced to 10 years for similar offenses.
Other convictions included Sheu Buka, sentenced to 20 years for selling goats to Boko Haram, and Hamza Yahuza, who received seven years for supplying Indian hemp and cigarettes to terrorists. Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts undergo rehabilitation and deradicalization at the end of their prison terms.
The Federal Ministry of Interior has been tasked with determining where the convicts will serve their sentences.
The trials are set to continue on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as the Federal Government pursues further cases against the remaining suspects.
