The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced the mass trial of 20 suspected terrorists linked to terrorism-related charges. The proceedings, traditionally held in Kainji, Niger State, have been relocated to Abuja for reasons not disclosed in court. Judges Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman and Akpan Ekerete are among those presiding over various segments of the trial. Justice Binta Nyako is handling a segment involving suspects Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubar and Abdullahi Ali. Representing the federal government is Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Director of Public Prosecutions, while Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aide Council, leads the defence team for the accused.
Holding the trial in Abuja instead of Kainji suggests a shift in how the federal government manages high-profile security cases, possibly for logistical or security reasons. With Rotimi Oyedepo, a senior legal figure, personally leading the prosecution, the administration appears to be prioritising visibility and legal rigor in this phase. This could signal a broader intent to centralise terrorism prosecutions, affecting how future cases are handled across the country.
