Over 200 Terrorism Suspects Bag Death Sentence, Life Imprisonment

More than 200 suspects who were linked with the terrorism activities in different parts of the country have been convicted by the Federal High Courts (FHC) in the country after they were found guilty of the offences, Daily Trust reports.

Some of the suspects, according to the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), were sentenced to death, life imprisonment and 20 to 70 years depending on the gravity of their offence.

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Media reports that the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in collaboration with ONSA oversaw their trials.

Hundreds of the suspects were being tried by 5 FHC judges in phases at the Kainji Detention Facility over their involvement in the heinous crimes with over 500 convictions secured in the past.

Giving an update on Sunday after conclusion of Phase 6 of the trial held between December 9 to 13, 2024, the Department of Strategic Communications in ONSA, explained that a total of 237 cases were heard from the trials.

The department stated that among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children and destruction of religious sites.

The suspects who were guilty of slaughtering innocent civilians as well as the abduction of women and children in brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State also received maximum penalty.

Describing the recent conviction as “milestone” in a bid to fight terrorism in the country, ONSA said it would not relent in its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection and banditry.

It stated that the trials were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, adding that it marked a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country.

It quoted the AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to have commended the judiciary, military, police, and other security agencies for their dedication to the “achievement”.

They urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, as the nation strives toward a safer and a more secure future.