Over 300 convicted of terrorism charges in Nigeria

More than 500 people suspected of committing terrorism-related crimes in Nigeria were put on trial at the start of April. From all the cases heard, 386 were convicted. Join us in praising God for His justice.

In good news from Nigeria, 386 people have been brought to justice for terrorism-related offences following a four-day trial last week. 

Friday 10 April saw the end of the trial that examined over 500 cases brought before the courts. The charges against the individuals included taking part in attacks, funding them, supplying arms or giving logistical support. 

Of the 508 cases studied, 386 were convicted, eight discharged, two acquitted and 112 cases kept for future trials, according to Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of Nigeria. 

Also present at the trials were various international organisations to assure the fairness of the procedures – including Amnesty International and the Nigerian Bar Association, amongst others. 

A call for continuing action 

In recent months, Nigeria has seen an ongoing intensification of attacks against vulnerable communities, especially majority-Christian villages. Several Islamist militant groups have strengthened their presence notably in the north of the country, as well as across other regions in the nation. 

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“We welcome the Nigerian government’s increasing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable,” said John Samuel*, Open Doors legal expert for work in sub-Saharan Africa. “One of the Arise Africa campaign asks is a call for justice through fair prosecution of the attackers. However, given the scale of violence and the persistence of insecurity, such as the recent Jos attack on Palm Sunday, we urge the Government to do more in ensuring protection of civilians and intensify its actions to ensure accountability.” 

Please continue to pray for justice and for the restoration of communities across Nigeria; above all for our brothers and sisters in the land, that they would “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) 

*Name changed for security reasons