FG seeks speedy trial of terrorists

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Photo: Ministry of Justice

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the judiciary to expedite hearings in cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing that the judiciary must support national efforts to combat insecurity.

The AGF made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during the ceremony marking the commencement of the Court of Appeal 2025/2026 Legal Year.

The event was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who promised improved accommodationfor judges to allow them discharge their duties without distractions associated with poor living conditions.

In his remarks, the AGF said all hands must be on desk to tackle the country’s insecurity challenges, calling on judges to support the government by fast-tracking the trial of terrorists.

Fagbemi said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is also impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.

“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication, the courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”

He stressed that the judiciary is more effective when terrorism cases are swiftly heard.

“The judicial system’s effectiveness strengthens when terrorism cases receive swift hearings and resolutions, which demonstrates that terrorism faces immediate and decisive legal action.

“The Federal Government remains deeply committed to combating terrorism through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. It recognises that the swift administration of justice is a vital complement to military and intelligence operations.

“Accordingly, rather than resorting to indiscriminate detention or relying solely on battlefield engagements, the government is focused on the timely prosecution of suspects implicated in mass-casualty attacks, kidnap-for-ransom networks, extremist recruitment, and terror-financing activities,” Fagbemi said.

While acknowledging that the courts needed more personnel, he said the present administration was committed to strengthening the judiciary.

“The government is equally mindful that this can only be achieved by enhancing the capacity of the judges who would handle these cases and other cases in the docket of our courts.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu, is therefore committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges of the Federal High Court to reinforce and boost our national counter-terrorism efforts and ensure that terrorism-related cases and other cases are handled promptly and effectively.

“Let me also seize this opportunity to call on all citizens to unite in confronting the scourge of terrorism. This is a time for collective resolve – not distraction – as we work together to secure our nation.”

In his speech, the FCT Minister, Wke,  assured judges of the FCT High Court that budgetary provisions had been made for the construction of additional residential houses to address accommodation challenges facing judicial officers.

He said the housing project formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the judiciary by improving the welfare, security and working conditions of judicial officers.

A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted Wike as saying, “The reasoning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”

He disclosed that, under the President’s directive, the FCT Administration had formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and commenced full perimeter fencing of the complex to safeguard the nation’s apex court against encroachment and security threats.

According to him, the intervention was long overdue and would serve as a confidence-building measure for the entire judiciary.

“This swift intervention gives the apex court the much-needed confidence that had been lacking in past administrations. This confidence-building action trickles down to every arm of the judiciary,” Wike added.

The FCTA had previously flagged off several judicial infrastructure projects, including the construction of residences for Heads of Courts, a new Magistrate Court complex in the Jabi District, and staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School.

Others include the design and construction of the Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, as well as residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Federal High Court.

In his address, Wike reaffirmed the commitment of the FCTA to supporting comprehensive justice sector reforms, stressing that his administration would consolidate existing gains and expand support where necessary.

“The FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms. Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is needed.

“Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust,” the minister said.

Wike expressed optimism that the new legal year would usher in greater efficiency and improved justice delivery for the Court of Appeal.

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