TheCable

The federal government has resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram members in the Kainji prosecution project phase IV in Abuja. 

In 2017, the federal government had commenced a trial for persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents, and the proceedings held at a military base in Niger state.

At the time, the United Nations had raised concerns on human rights issues in relation to the suspects, saying the conduct of the proceedings may deny the defendants the right to a fair trial and an effective defence.

Speaking at the opening of the court session on Monday, Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, said in 2017, the federal government secured a total of 366 convictions.

Fagbemi said 896 others were discharged for lack of evidence and 61 cases were adjourned for further hearings.

He said the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects marked another step in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigerians.

Fagbemi noted that security is a duty that is of utmost importance to all Nigerians, and a primary duty of the government.

“I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative,” he said.

“The first phase of the Kainji prosecution project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements.

“We recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for lack of sufficient evidence, and 61 other cases were 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 wellbeing of our beloved country and its people.”

Fagbemi said prosecution is one of the end processes of criminal justice administration and assured that the federal government would deploy resources to enhance its capacities.

He added that the ministry would continue to support efforts towards deradicalisation and reintegration of repentant terrorists.

“We have made tremendous efforts to ensure that the trials are conducted with due regard to the provisions of the constitution regarding openness as much as can be permitted,” he added.

“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.”

On his part, Abdulfattah Bakre, director of criminal justice, legal aid council, said they had the consent of the defendants to represent them in the case.

Baker promised to cooperate with the prosecution while representing the defendants to ensure quick dispensation 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,” Bakre said.

“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.”