FG Prosecutes 1,743 Terrorism Cases, Secures 742 Convictions Since 2017

December 24, 2024
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The Federal Government has prosecuted 1,743 terrorism-related cases and secured 742 convictions between 2017 and 2024, according to Mohammed Babadoko, the Director of Public Prosecution in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Babadoko provided a detailed breakdown of the cases, which involved acts of terrorism, terrorism financing, and related criminal activities. He noted that while 742 individuals were convicted, 888 were acquitted due to insufficient evidence and other legal reasons, with an additional 92 cases currently adjourned.

Providing insights into specific periods, Babadoko highlighted key milestones:
-In October 2017, 50 individuals were convicted, 203 acquitted, and 28 cases adjourned.
-By February 2018, 203 convictions were secured, 582 individuals were discharged, and 24 cases adjourned.
-In July 2018, 113 individuals were convicted, 102 acquitted, and nine cases adjourned.
-December 2023 saw 14 convictions, one acquittal, and 10 adjournments.
-By July 2024, 125 convictions were secured, with no acquittals and 21 adjournments.
-December 2024 marked a significant milestone, with 237 convictions, no acquittals, and no adjournments.

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Babadoko noted that sentences ranged from 60 years to life imprisonment for those convicted. He also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring justice while adhering to policies aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.

“In the last year alone, under this administration, 515 cases were disposed of,” Babadoko said. “Over 800 individuals, including those who served their sentences or were discharged, have been transferred to ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ in Gombe for rehabilitation and reintegration, as directed by court orders and federal policies.”

Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), elaborated on the role of ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ in deradicalizing individuals cleared by the justice system.

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“Only individuals deemed unsuitable for imprisonment undergo the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and rehabilitation (DDRR) process,” Mijinyawa explained. “Convicted individuals serve their sentences, while those cleared receive psychological support, family reunification, mental health care, and economic interventions.”

Mijinyawa called on the media to play a vital role in disseminating accurate information about the DDRR process. He underscored that rehabilitation programs are a key part of the government’s strategy to foster peace and security in the country.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism through a balanced approach of prosecution, justice, and reintegration. As the fight against terrorism continues, stakeholders urged citizens to support these efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.

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