The Federal Government has commenced the large-scale prosecution of individuals suspected of terrorism at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Proceedings began on Tuesday, with multiple suspects arraigned on terrorism-related charges before different judges of the court. According to reports, the trials, which are typically conducted in Kainji, Niger State, were relocated to Abuja due to the ongoing Easter vacation of the court.

The holiday session, which started on April 7, is expected to run until April 13, after which normal court sittings will resume across all divisions on April 14.

At least 20 defendants appeared before Emeka Nwite during Tuesday’s proceedings, while several other cases are being handled simultaneously across the 13 courtrooms within the Abuja division, all largely focused on terrorism-related offences.

Other judges presiding over similar cases include Binta Nyako, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete, among others.

Leading the prosecution team is Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, who represented the Federal Government in proceedings before Justice Nyako. On the defence side, Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, headed the legal team representing some of the accused persons.

Among those listed in the charges before Justice Nyako are individuals identified as Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu, and Abdullahi Ali, among others.

Security was significantly heightened in and around the court premises, with armed personnel stationed at key points and access roads leading to the court complex temporarily closed. In addition, a police helicopter was observed patrolling the Central Business District, underscoring the seriousness of the proceedings.