The second stage of the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects, who are now being imprisoned at a military facility in Kainji, Niger State, has been decided upon by the federal government.
Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federation’s Solicitor General, stated this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.
Agba said that the alleged Boko Haram militants had planned and prepared in detail for their activities to start up again.
reminds readers that the Federal Ministry of Justice recently acknowledged the special intervention provided by President Muhammadu Buhari for the availability of finances and other logistics for the exercise’s start.
The trial, which has been going on in stages, has been put on hold temporarily, according to the Solicitor-General of the Federation. This is to make sure that the suspects are properly investigated and that the right safeguards are in place to make sure they get fair trials that meet international standards.
She added that the federal government was determined to make sure that justice was served in order to ease the minds of terror attack victims and survivors and to clear the detention facilities.
According to Jedy-Agba, the federal government is taking steps to modify the military detention facilities to make them adaptable and suitable for the restart of trials.
By the end of the first quarter of 2023, the prosecution will begin. Facilities, including the courtrooms and residential areas, are currently undergoing renovations—in certain cases, complete reconstruction.
“It is crucial to make sure that further safeguards are put in place.” Since we are using military facilities, they were not constructed as legitimate courts.
“The use of military facilities is a last resort to guarantee that trials are held in a secure setting.”
This is a very important issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, because there are risks involved in getting so many accused people to court at once.
We are working closely with the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff and other military authorities to ensure that by the end of the first quarter of 2023, we will definitely start trials. We have obtained the necessary permits to move forward with the projects.
Jedy-Agba went on to say that the Federal Ministry of Justice was worried about the pain and suffering of terrorism victims as well as the sensitive issue of the rights of people who have been accused.
“The whole point is to make sure that, while honouring the defendants’ rights, we also have to take into account the sensibilities of Nigerians who have been terrorist victims, as well as the nation’s overall security.”
“Therefore, we will do everything in our power to see that the fundamental needs of human rights are upheld.” Selected civil society organisations and human rights organisations, including the National Human Rights Commission, are welcome to observe the trial site.
“We are collaborating with the Legal Aid Council and other parties to make sure that those who have been accused can access justice.”
Obviously, we won’t allow anyone inside due to security reasons. You’re probably aware of a recent attempt to attack the facility, say a few weeks ago.
“Because we want to preserve the protection of our judges, witnesses, and translators, it will certainly not be as open as you may desire,” she continued.
