Over 700 High-Profile Boko Haram Suspects Facing Prosecution; Says Tinubu
The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has claimed that over 700 high-profile Boko Haram and other terrorism suspects are currently being prosecuted across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this while speaking on the ongoing trials and convictions of individuals linked to terrorism.
Idris explained that a Special Court dedicated to Boko Haram cases had already conducted more than seven sittings, leading to the conviction of over 700 suspects, while fresh trials were still underway.
“The Special Court for Boko Haram cases has held more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 high profile suspects. It is now in its eighth session with trials continuing,” the minister told PUNCH.
He added that the ongoing prosecutions are part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure accountability, justice, and the strengthening of the rule of law in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
“Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are underway in courts across Nigeria – at both state and federal levels in Abuja,” Idris said.
The minister further stated that the Attorney-General of the Federation is coordinating with the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution process and ensure justice is delivered without delay.
“The DSS has completed investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects, as well as counter reprisal suspects.
“Police are currently trying hundreds of cases across all states, while the NSCDC and other agencies are also active nationwide,” he added.
Earlier, Idris had clarified that more than 17,000 terrorism suspects were in custody nationwide, while dismissing claims that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria.
His comments come amid the United States President, Donald Trump’s threat to carry out military operations in Nigeria over what he called “genocide against Christians”.
While the US accuses the Nigerian government of neglect, the Tinubu administration has rejected the accusations as well as labelling the country as that of particular concern by the Trump administration.
Boko Haram has been largely responsible for killings, kidnapping in Nigeria displacing millions in the process.
