FG Arraigns 500 Terror Suspects as Mass Trial Opens in Abuja

The Federal Government on Tuesday commenced the prosecution of 500 terrorism suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking one of the largest coordinated trials of its kind in Nigeria’s history.

The suspects are accused of involvement in a series of deadly attacks across northern Nigeria that have claimed over 2,000 lives and destroyed property. Prosecutors allege that, beyond direct participation in violence, several of the defendants provided critical support to terrorist groups through financing, supply of arms and ammunition, and provision of food and logistics.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the prosecution team alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The defence was coordinated by the Director of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliu Bagudu Abubakar, supported by a team of lawyers.

Fagbemi disclosed that 227 suspects were formally arraigned before 10 judges of the Federal High Court, thanking the judiciary for sacrificing their Easter holiday to ensure the proceedings commenced without delay. To enhance transparency and uphold due process, representatives from international organisations, including Amnesty International, human rights groups, and the Nigerian Bar Association, were invited to observe the trials.
Security was tight as the suspects were transported to court in trucks under heavy guard by armed soldiers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.

In one of the early rulings, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako convicted a key Boko Haram logistics supplier, Hamatu Modu, sentencing him to a total of 40 years imprisonment after he confessed in open court to supplying food and intelligence to insurgents in Borno State.

Similarly, Isah Ali was handed a 10-year jail term for supplying food items to the террорист group, while Sheu Buka received 20 years imprisonment for selling goats to insurgents. Another defendant, Hamza Yahuza, was sentenced to seven years for supplying Indian hemp and cigarettes to the group.

Justice Nyako further directed that all convicted persons undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes upon completion of their sentences, while the Federal Ministry of Interior is to determine the correctional facilities where they will serve their terms.
The mass trial is set to continue on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.