The Federal Government on Monday commenced the arraignment of more than 400 terrorism suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism-related offences.

The proceedings are being conducted simultaneously in multiple courtrooms within the Federal High Court complex, with the suspects arraigned in batches before different judges.

The large-scale exercise led to the suspension or postponement of several regular court matters to enable judges participate in the mass trial.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is leading the prosecution team, assisted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

The government’s legal team is overseeing the prosecution of the suspects, who are facing various terrorism-related charges.

To ensure legal representation for defendants unable to afford counsel, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is providing legal services for indigent suspects involved in the proceedings.

The mass arraignment marks one of the largest terrorism-related prosecution exercises undertaken by the Federal Government and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and the administration of justice in cases linked to terrorism and national security.

Further details of the charges and individual proceedings are expected to emerge as the trials continue before the various courts.