FG Pledges Transparency in Trial of 500 Boko Haram Suspects

The Federal Government has assured the public of full transparency and accountability in the ongoing trial and prosecution of 500 terrorist suspects before ten Judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspects are accused of operating mainly in northern Nigeria, where attacks by the group have claimed over 2,000 lives and caused widespread property destruction. Others face charges of aiding these crimes through financial support, supply of arms and ammunition, or provision of foodstuffs.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, supported by the prosecution team led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the Federal Government involved Amnesty International, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure transparency and adherence to due process throughout the trial.

Mr. Bagudu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and leader of the defense team, noted that most suspects who pleaded guilty were prosecuted according to their level of involvement.
In one notable proceeding, Justice Binta Nyako sentenced Hamatu Modu, a major foodstuff supplier for Boko Haram in Borno State, to 40 years imprisonment after he admitted to supplying the group and acting as an informant.
Similarly, Shehu Buka, a father of three, received a 20-year sentence for selling goats to Boko Haram operatives in Borno State.
The trial is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, April 11, 2026.