…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Preparations for the Trial
The Federal Government of Nigeria is making arrangements to initiate the trial of approximately 2,000 individuals who are believed to be members of the terrorist group Boko Haram.
These suspects have been detained for their involvement in terror activities, and their trial will be overseen by a team of eight judges.
Venue and Logistics
The trials are scheduled to take place in Kainji, Niger State, within a secured environment provided by Operation Safe Corridor, a special security group.
Many of the suspects are currently held in detention at this facility.
However, logistical challenges have caused delays in commencing the trials.
Request for Logistics Support
The Ministry of Justice had requested assistance from the Nigerian Air Force to transport the judges and lawyers involved in the proceedings.
Unfortunately, this request did not receive a positive response, creating a hurdle that stalled the commencement of the trials.
Awaiting a Response from the Chief Judge
A top official from the Ministry of Justice spoke with Punch and stated that they are awaiting a response from the Chief Judge regarding the selection of a date for the trial to commence.
The ministry has written to the Chief Judge, urging him to choose a date that is convenient for the court.
Number of Suspects and Timeline
According to a source, approximately 1,000 suspects will be transferred to Operation Safe Corridor for rehabilitation, while around 2,000 individuals will face trial for their roles in Boko Haram’s violent activities.
When asked about a timeline for the prosecution of the suspects, the source mentioned that due to the judges’ existing workload, the trial would be staggered.
While there is no specific timeline, the source expressed the intention to expedite the trial process.
Ongoing Insurgency and Possible Expansion of Trials
The source also stated that more suspects may face trial as the insurgency is still ongoing.
As security forces arrest additional suspects on the frontlines, they will be profiled and brought to trial unless the insurgency comes to an end.
Judges’ Designation and Practical Challenges
The Chief Judge has reportedly designated eight judges to handle the trials, although it is unclear if all eight will sit simultaneously.
However, dedicating judges exclusively to the Boko Haram trial is not feasible due to their existing caseloads.
The source explained that moving judges away from their ongoing criminal cases would disrupt those proceedings.
The regular courts would need to adjourn cases, and the prosecutors assigned to the Boko Haram trials would face challenges.
Previous Convictions and Rehabilitation
More than 205 individuals have been convicted for their involvement with Boko Haram, receiving jail terms ranging from three to 60 years.
Over the years, over 1,500 individuals affiliated with the group have been released for rehabilitation.
Since the insurgency began in 2009, it has resulted in the deaths of more than 35,000 people and the displacement of two million individuals.
Enhanced Facilities and Concerns
In January, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, announced plans for the second phase of prosecution for Boko Haram suspects held in Kainji.
The military holding facilities are being reconfigured and renovated to create an adaptable and conducive environment for the trials.
The use of military facilities ensures a safe and secure environment for the proceedings, as moving a large number of accused persons at once poses significant risks.
The Federal Government aims to start the prosecution by the end of the first quarter of 2023, but the precise timeline remains uncertain due to ongoing logistical and practical considerations.