The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday kicked-off a mass trial of suspected terrorists charged with offences spanning across Nigeria.Â
Traditionally held at Kainji in Niger State, the proceedings were temporarily relocated to the capital due to the court’s Easter vacation.
The Easter break, which began on April 7 and will last until April 13, has prompted the continuation of terrorism cases in Abuja to avoid delays, with regular court sessions set to resume nationwide on April 14. Currently, 13 courts in Abuja are handling terrorism-related cases, with judges including Justice Binta Nyako, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Musa Liman, and Justice Akpan Ekerete overseeing the proceedings.
Yesterday, approximately 20 suspects appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite. The Federal Government’s legal team was led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while the suspects were represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council under the leadership of Aliyu Abubakar. Notable defendants in Justice Nyako’s cause list include: Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awwal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu and Abdullahi Ali.
Heightened security marked the trial proceedings. Armed personnel were stationed around the Federal High Court complex in Abuja’s Central Business District, with several roads blocked to control traffic.
A Police helicopter also patrolled the skies above the court to ensure safety and maintain order during the hearings.
