The Federal Government earlier today resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram members at the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Niger State.
Speaking at the commencement of the trial , the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN noted that the trial is marking another step forward, in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians.
He added that the duty is of utmost importance to all, as it is the primary duty of government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.
The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 where a total of 366 convictions were recorded and 896 others were discharged for want of sufficient evidence and 61 other cases adjourned for further hearing.
There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018.
The AGF however challenged all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the wellbeing of our beloved country and her people.
According to him, “Terrorism has cost us a lot as a nation. From the communities directly affected, to the staggering losses in human and material resources, displacements, political and economic instability and the general atmosphere of fear it has created, all point to how crucial this exercise is to our progress and prosperity as a nation. Conversely, if the process is mismanaged and, as a result, the security situation is allowed to fester, it may lead to existential crises in the very long run. I, therefore, pledge my total support to the cause as I urge the stakeholders once again to continue in the good job.
“I will also like to acknowledge the various stakeholders who have played vital roles and to varying degrees towards the success of the initiative. Worthy of mention is the Federal High Court, Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters including the GIWA and Wawa Projects in Maiduguri and Kainji, Nigeria Airforce, the Joint Investigation Centre, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Human Rights Commission, the British High Commission, the Embassy of the United States of America, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Nigerian Bar Association, the media and several other stakeholders. This synergy so far has proven that “safety and security does not just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.”
“Prosecution is one of the end processes of criminal justice administration and the Federal Ministry of Justice will continue to commit to deploying resources towards the enhancement of its prosecutorial capacities. The Ministry is also continuing to support efforts towards deradicalization and reintegration of deserving terrorists.
“We have made tremendous efforts to ensure that the trials are conducted with due regard to the provisions of the Constitution regarding openness as much as can be permitted in the circumstances and providing the suspects with adequate opportunities to make their defence. I would like to urge the prosecutors and defence counsel to continue to maintain the highest levels of professional standards in this national assignment. We are deeply grateful to you all for your commitment to this cause and I assure you of my continuing support to facilitate the entire process”.
