Terrorism/Nigeria launches landmark trial of over 500 militant suspects
Nigeria has opened one of its largest-ever terrorism trials, prosecuting more than 500 people accused of militant attacks, primarily in the northeast where Boko Haram’s insurgency began 17 years ago.
On Tuesday, 227 suspects were arraigned before 10 judges in the capital, Abuja. Five defendants have already received prison sentences ranging from seven to 20 years after pleading guilty to charges including selling livestock and supplying food or information to militant groups.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi said the government is committed to due process. Security expert Bashir Galma, a retired army major, called the trial a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, noting that suspects are often detained for years without facing justice.
International observers, including human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, monitored the proceedings. The trial, expected to continue in phases, comes amid escalating violence — at least 20 people were killed Wednesday in Niger state, according to AFP.
