The Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday commenced the mass trial of individuals accused of terrorism-related offences, amid heightened security across the court परिसर.
The proceedings, typically held in Kainji, Niger State, were temporarily relocated to Abuja due to the ongoing Easter vacation of the court. The vacation, which began on April 7, is scheduled to end on April 13, with normal sittings expected to resume nationwide on April 14.
Despite the holiday period, judicial activities continued in Abuja, with no fewer than 13 courtrooms handling terrorism-related cases. Another batch of about 20 suspects was arraigned before Emeka Nwite on Tuesday.
Other judges presiding over similar cases include Binta Nyako, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete, among others.
The Federal Government’s legal team is being led by Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, while the defence team for the accused is headed by Aliyu Abubakar of the Legal Aid Council.
Some of the suspects listed in the court filings include Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu, and Abdullahi Ali, among others.
Security presence around the court premises was significantly reinforced, with armed personnel stationed at strategic points and access roads leading to the complex restricted. A police helicopter was also observed patrolling the Central Business District, underscoring the sensitivity of the proceedings.
The development signals a continued push by authorities to address terrorism-related cases through the judicial system, even during official court recess periods.