The Federal High Court in Abuja has concluded a four-day special sitting that resulted in the conviction of 386 persons on terrorism-related charges, in one of the largest mass trials conducted in recent times.
The convictions were secured during a coordinated judicial exercise involving 10 courts, where a total of 508 defendants were arraigned by the Federal Government between Tuesday and Friday. Sentences handed down ranged from five years imprisonment to life terms, depending on the nature and severity of the offences.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed the outcome while briefing journalists at the close of proceedings in Abuja.
According to him, out of the 508 cases brought before the court, 386 convictions were secured, while eight defendants were discharged and two were acquitted. He added that 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of the trial scheduled for June 15 to 18, 2026.
The proceedings formed part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute terrorism suspects linked to insurgent activities, including members and collaborators of armed extremist groups operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
Fagbemi said the outcome of the trial sends a strong message that acts of terrorism and support for violent groups will not be tolerated under Nigerian law.
He also noted that the special court sitting was conducted with the participation of relevant stakeholders and monitored by civil society and human rights organisations to ensure adherence to due process and transparency.
The Federal High Court judges were commended for sitting through the special session, which coincided with the Easter holiday period, as authorities intensify efforts to address the backlog of terrorism-related cases.
The mass trial is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen national security and reinforce the rule of law in the fight against insurgency and violent extremism.