The federal government, on Monday, began  another batch of mass trials of suspected terrorists charged with terrorism-related offences in Abuja.

The trial, which usually takes place in Kainji, Niger, was moved to the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The prosecution of the defendants is being led by the attorney general of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi, while the director-general of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, led the team of lawyers for the defence.

The trial, taking place in all the courtrooms, is expected to last one week.

Some of the trial judges are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, and Ekerete Akpan, among others.

No fewer than 58 suspected terrorists were listed for trial on Monday before Mr Nwite.

They are Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai-Auduga), and Bello Liman, aka Bell Doctor, among others.

Meanwhile, almost all other matters scheduled for today at the court had been rescheduled for the mass trial.

Security was beefed up in and around the Central Business District and the court. All roads leading to the court were blocked by armed security operatives.

Five hundred alleged terrorists were also tried between April 7 and April 10 in Abuja. Mr Fagbemi said the 500 suspects were being prosecuted in phase nine of the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja.

The AGF cited logistical reasons for transferring the cases from Kainji to Abuja.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court. It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time; you know what it means. It means a lot,” Mr Fagbemi said.

(NAN)