Abubakar Malami says special terrorism prosecution courts to begin in Nigeria

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), says special terrorism prosecution courts will soon be resuscitated in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, Umar Gwandu, special assistant on media and public relations to Malami, said the decision is part of efforts to address insecurity.

“The federal government is committed to ending insecurity in the country. The courts are to bring to book all those found guilty in connection with terrorism, so as to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement read.

“In addition to the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the measures taken by the government will counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity in the country.”

On April 30, 2013, Ibrahim Auta, the former chief judge of the federal high court, made a practice direction that amended the order 48 rule 4 of the federal high court (civil procedure) rule 2009, which took effect on June 3, 2013.

The practice direction was intended to fast-track criminal trials relating to offences of terrorism, kidnapping, trafficking in persons, rape, corruption, and money laundering cases, and ensure that delays in criminal trials are largely eliminated.

Under this practice, the court shall ensure that criminal cases are fully ready for trial before hearing dates are agreed, in order to minimise undue adjournments and delays.

The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the week, disclosed move by government to prosecute 400 suspects arrested for allegedly funding terrorism is unprecedented and it’s a testament to the government’s determination to decisively tackle terrorism and other violent crimes.

The minister said the government realises that the security challenges faced today are systemic, hence has – in addition to kinetic efforts – also embarked on various non-kinetic measures to most effectively tackle the challenges