Nigerian Government Secures Convictions of 125 Boko Haram Terrorists, Financiers

In a significant legal breakthrough, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the conviction of 125 individuals linked to Boko Haram, including terrorists and their financiers. The convictions were handed down during a special two-day mass trial held in Kainji, Niger State.

The trials, part of the Giwa Project Kainji Phase Five, took place between Tuesday and Wednesday and were overseen by five judges from the Federal High Court. Justice Binta Nyako led the judicial panel, which also included Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon.

A statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed that the defendants faced charges related to terrorism, financing terrorism, providing material support for terrorism, and other criminal acts recognized by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The prosecution team was spearheaded by Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, while the defense was led by Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council. International observers present at the proceedings included delegations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Out of the 125 convictions, 85 individuals were found guilty of financing terrorism, 22 were convicted of ICC-related crimes, and the remaining were convicted of various terrorism charges. Sentences varied in length and severity.

Additionally, the Attorney-General announced that 400 individuals who have completed their sentences have been transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State. This initiative focuses on rehabilitation, deradicalization, and reintegration of former convicts into society.