Abuja Court Starts Mass Trial of Terrorism Suspects

On April 7, 2023, the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja began a mass trial of suspected terrorists under tight security measures. This trial was necessitated by the court's relocation from Kainji, Niger State, due to the Easter vacation, which runs from April 7 to April 13, 2023.

Normal court proceedings are set to resume on April 14, 2023. The trial involves 20 accused individuals facing terrorism-related charges, with Justice Binta Nyako presiding alongside Justices Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekeret.

The Federal Government's legal team is led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, and includes Aliyu Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecutions. The accused individuals listed in Justice Nyako's cause list include Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kull, Moham Abacha, Hassan Aminami, Mallum Tasiu, and Yakubu Abdullahi.

Security around the Abuja FHC has been significantly reinforced, with roadblocks and armed personnel, as well as police helicopters patrolling the Central Business District.