Federal Court Convicts 386 Terrorists in Major Trial
The Nigerian federal government has successfully secured convictions against 386 individuals linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This announcement was made by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), following a four-day special court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Mass Trial Results in Significant Sentencing
During the special court proceedings, a total of 508 defendants were arraigned across ten different courts from Tuesday to Friday. The government charged these individuals with various offenses ranging from providing financial and logistical support to terrorist organizations to failing to report terrorist activities and membership in outlawed groups.
Sentences Reflect Severity of Offenses
The court found many of the defendants guilty, leading to prison sentences that varied from five years to life, based on the gravity of the offenses committed. Notably, the AGF indicated that of the group, eight defendants were released, and two were acquitted of the charges against them.
Further Proceedings Planned for Additional Suspects
Prince Fagbemi also disclosed that 112 defendants who did not respond to the trial will be arraigned alongside other suspects in the next phase of this mass trial, scheduled to take place from June 15 to 18, 2026. He expressed that this significant ruling against 386 terrorists is intended to send a clear message to criminals operating within Nigeria: there is no tolerance for acts of terrorism.
Judicial and International Support Recognized
The Minister of Justice commended the ten judges who participated in the fast-tracked sessions, noting their willingness to sacrifice part of their Easter holiday to serve on a special bench. He also appreciated the presence and support of various international organizations, including Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission, for ensuring that due process and legal transparency were upheld throughout the proceedings.
Media Coverage Acknowledged
Fagbemi extended his gratitude to the media for their coverage of the trial. Among the notable cases, the court addressed that of Hon Lorenzo, a former senatorial candidate from Borno State, who was sentenced to ten years for supplying fuel to Boko Haram members. Babagana Habib, a fuel dealer from Maiduguri, admitted to this charge during his arraignment.
Leniency Considered Despite Serious Charges
During the trial, Habib argued that staff at his fuel station may have been responsible for selling the products to terrorists. In an emotional plea to Judge Peter Riff, he requested a more lenient sentence, citing his responsibilities to his two wives and six children, as well as the isolation he faced during over a decade of detention.
Judgment and Immediate Release Ordered
In his ruling, Judge Riff acknowledged that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that Habib had ties to Boko Haram or received any weapon training. He concluded that the primary offense involved selling fuel to terrorists. Furthermore, the judge noted discrepancies in the prosecution’s claims about the length of the convict’s custody, ultimately sentencing him to ten years, with the stipulation that the term would be retroactively applied from the date of his arrest. The judge ordered immediate release upon signing a discharge warrant, allowing for further rehabilitation.
