Nigeria has recorded a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, securing 44 convictions in the seventh phase of terrorism-financing trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility.
Out of 54 individuals arraigned, 44 were found guilty and sentenced to between 10 and 30 years imprisonment with hard labour. The remaining 10 cases were adjourned for further hearings. The trials were conducted across four courts presided over by Federal High Court justices, demonstrating the government’s resolve to strengthen judicial accountability in the fight against terrorism.
The proceedings commenced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with an opening ceremony attended by key officials from the nation’s security and justice sectors. The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, delivered remarks on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar.
Both officials reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to justice and transparency in addressing terrorism-related crimes.
The latest phase builds on the achievements of the sixth phase of the trials, where 237 cases were heard and 200 convictions secured. Sentences in those cases ranged from 20 to 70 years imprisonment, life sentences, and the death penalty.
Convicted individuals were found guilty of crimes including the killing of civilians, attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, and the abduction of women and children during a violent raid on the Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
With these new convictions, Nigeria has now secured a total of 785 terrorism-related convictions, reflecting its intensified campaign against violent extremism and the dismantling of terrorism financing networks.
Babs Adesanya
LV