We’ll Ensure Fairness In Trial Of Boko Haram Suspects – FG

The Federal Government says the trial of Boko Haram suspects will be done within the justice safeguards and in compliance with the rule of law.

This is coming from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as the date for the commencement of the trial of the suspected terrorists inch closer.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Salihu Othman, Mr Malami told participants at a sensitisation workshop that fair play would be guaranteed during the trial.

The one-day workshop was organised in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Kainji Prosecution Project.

Malami, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Mr Oludayo Apata, identified deradicalisation as an essential element of the project.

He also solicited the support all the participants, saying peace in the North East is peace for all.

The minister thanked security agencies involved in the theatre of war in the region, especially the military who he said their support, cooperation, and understanding was still anticipated.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Umar, said that innocent Boko Haram suspects would be handed over to ‘Operation Safe Corridor’.

He explained that ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ was domiciled at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for the purposes of deradicalisation and countering violent extremism before releasing the suspects to the larger society.

He also said Malami and the NSA, retired Major General Babagana Monguno, had perfected plans to carry out expeditious prosecutions to enable the courts to decide the fate of the detained suspected terrorists.

Giving insight into the activities of the terror group, Etsu hinted that the group had since been proscribed.

“The insurgence of the terror group has led to its proscription by the Federal Government on May 24, 2013, thereby, making the membership of Boko Haram an offence punishable with at least 20 years imprisonment under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013,” he said.

He further thanked the United Nations and the British High Commission among other development partners that stood by Nigeria, especially in the areas of capacity building and other technical support.