The Federal Government on Monday commenced the mass arraignment of more than 400 alleged terrorism suspects before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, marking one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated terrorism prosecution exercises in recent years.

The suspects are being tried simultaneously in multiple courtrooms within the Federal High Court complex following the appointment of a special panel of judges to accelerate the hearing of long-standing terrorism cases.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is leading the prosecution team alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.

According to government officials, the defendants face charges related to terrorism, terrorism financing, and aiding or supporting insurgent groups. Lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria are representing suspects who cannot afford legal counsel.

The proceedings form part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s counterterrorism framework and expedite delayed prosecutions.

The latest arraignments follow an earlier round of special terrorism trials held in April, during which the government reported securing hundreds of convictions in cases linked to insurgent activities.

Authorities say the ongoing proceedings are aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and ensuring accountability under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.