Latest News

What To Know As FG Resumes Trial Of Suspected Boko Haram Members

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2023

eghosa

What To Know As FG Resumes Trial Of Suspected Boko Haram Members

Fagbemi

What To Know As FG Resumes Trial Of Suspected Boko Haram Members

Yesterday, the Federal Government resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram members as part of the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Abuja.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the first phase commenced in 2017, resulting in 366 convictions, 896 discharges due to lack of evidence, and 61 cases adjourned for further hearings.

Fagbemi emphasized that this renewed prosecution signifies another step in ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and its citizens, considering security as a crucial duty for all Nigerians and a primary responsibility of the government.

He said: “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. 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 wellbeing of our beloved country and its people,” he said.

Fagbemi emphasized that prosecution constitutes a concluding phase in the administration of criminal justice, affirming the commitment of the Federal Government to allocate resources to bolster its prosecutorial capabilities.

He reiterated that the ministry remains dedicated to supporting initiatives aimed at deradicalization and the successful reintegration of repentant terrorists.

“We have made tremendous efforts to ensure that the trials are conducted with due regard to provisions of the Constitution regarding openness as much as can be permitted, and in the circumstances provide the suspects with adequate opportunities to make their defence.”

“I would like to urge the prosecutors and defence counsel to continue to maintain the highest levels of professional standards in this national assignment,” Fagbemi said.

In his capacity, Abdulfattah Bakre, the Director of Criminal Justice at the Legal Aid Council, stated that the council had obtained the defendants’ consent to represent them in the case.

Bakre assured collaboration with the prosecution while advocating for the defendants, with the shared goal of expediting the delivery of justice in the case.

“We are happy that this trial is resuming after such a long time and we are glad that the defendants will have the opportunity to be heard. We are representing them based on their trust and not on the instruction of the Federal Government.

“We were in Kainji some years ago, and also recently, we were in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where we interacted with them, and we have been fully instructed to represent them,” he said.

Stay Updated With More News By Joining Our WhatsApp Group With The Link Below

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HbO11pwVPsL8tBHkSChpMe

Related Topics:

Up Next

What To Know As Tinubu Faces Fresh Legal Hurdle At Supreme Court

Don't Miss

Police In Rivers Detain Four Officers Over Kidnap Of Hotel Staff