Fagbemi disclosed this on Friday while reviewing progress in the exercise, which has seen 1,060 suspects brought before the courts. He said the current phase is the third conducted this year and the largest since the Federal Government began the special terrorism trials.
According to the AGF, as of noon on Friday, 880 cases had been tried, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.
He noted, however, that the exercise was still ongoing and that the final figures would be announced at its conclusion.
Fagbemi attributed the progress recorded to judicial cooperation, effective prosecution and collaboration among relevant security and justice institutions.
He commended the judges handling the cases under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
The AGF also praised prosecution and defence counsel, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military, the police, correctional centres and the Legal Aid Council for their contributions.
He said collaboration among the institutions had been crucial to advancing the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences in Nigeria.
Fagbemi also acknowledged journalists for informing the public about the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle terrorism and related security challenges.
On the involvement of the Legal Aid Council in representing defendants, he explained that the agency was fulfilling its responsibility to provide legal assistance to eligible suspects, while some defendants were represented by private legal practitioners.
He added that defence lawyers had been meeting their clients before court proceedings, visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their cases. However, he noted that some preparatory activities could not be made public due to security considerations surrounding the trials.
Addressing the issue of deradicalisation for suspects recommended by the court, Fagbemi described the process as an important part of the exercise, explaining that it was intended to help eligible individuals recognise and regret their actions before reintegrating into society.
He maintained that rehabilitation and reintegration were necessary complements to the judicial process and could help reduce the risk of individuals returning to extremist activities.
The ongoing trials form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability in its response to insecurity.
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