Fagbemi: FG Secures Conviction of 860 Terrorists in 8 Years

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Tuesday disclosed that the federal government has secured the conviction of over 800 terrorists in the last eight years.

Fagbemi also disclosed that nearly 900 alleged terrorists were acquitted within the same period.

He made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Abuja, shortly after he hosted the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes and US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

Fagbemi, who noted that the visit afforded the federal government the opportunity to explain the security situation to their host expressed happiness that the US delegation were able to see things for themselves, following the visit.

Recall that United States President, Donald Trump had threatened to send US military personnel into Nigeria, to quench what they believed to be genocide against christians in Nigeria.

“We have explained this to them when they entered Washington, but I’m happy that they are also here to see things for themselves. And what is important is to also appraise them that even though we have challenges in Nigeria, it is not religious and we have security challenges, and the government is doing its utmost to ensure that these challenges are addressed”, he said.

“The one that concerns the Federal Ministry of Justice is about the prosecution of the people arrested in connection with extremism, and we are able to explain to them and tell them how far we are from what we are also doing. For instance, today, as we speak, the terrorism trial is still going on. I have been there today and I have taken one or two of the cases, and I want to seize this opportunity to let you know that as of today, that is from 2017 to 2025, we have secured 860 convictions and 891 acquittals, that is, discharges”, Fagbemi added.

The AGF explained that the implication of the trial is that the government don’t just arrest people and clamp them into prison but follow the due process of the law.

The minister added that after profiling those they believed had nothing to do with the allegations were left off the hook, while those they are convinced have cases to answer were taken to court for a the court to decide.

“So whenever the court takes a decision, we comply or abide by the decision, and that is why we have good convictions and acquittals”, he said, adding that things are not as heinous as people are portraying.

While admitting that Nigeria has a problem, the minister assured “It is not a problem of religion”.