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By John Azu
The Federal Government has resumed the mass trial of a fresh batch of terrorism suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The proceedings, conducted by several judges, including Justices Binta Nyako, James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu, among others, took place under tight security provided by the military, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Ibrahim handled about 34 suspects, while Justice Lifu presided over proceedings involving approximately 25 others.
Among those listed for arraignment before Justice Ibrahim were Isah Ismail, Alai Goni, Bulama Lawal, Garba Ibrahim, Mallam Modu Abba Kichi, Lawal Alhaji Mamman and Usman Abubakar, among others.
The prosecution was led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The defence team was led by the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, whose team is providing free legal representation to the defendants.
It will be recalled that more than 600 suspects were tried before the court in June, following the arraignment of an initial batch of about 500 suspects in April.