Ministry Of Justice Prosecutes 226 Terrorism Suspects, Others – AGF

In an effort to further strengthen the administration of criminal justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice and its Agencies have developed programmes, initiatives, and Policies to enhance the sector for national development.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi who stated this at an engagement organized to update citizens and stakeholders on achievements of the Ministry and its Agencies in the year under review from October 2024 to date, said a total of 226 terrorism cases out of 237, were handled, the suspects prosecuted and convicted.

Fagbemi, said the achievements came about as a result of the extant policies and actions targeted at improving the capacity of prosecutors and increasing synergy among prosecution agencies in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser NSA, and other law enforcement agencies.

“In order to enhance response to cybercrime the ministry engaged effective collaboration with stakeholders leading to the establishment of the Joint Case Team (JCT) comprising of the Ministry, Law Enforcement Agencies and the Judiciary in April 2025 conceived in response to coordinated and robust approach to combating cybercrime as outlined in the Cyber-crime (prohibition Prevention)Act 2025;

“Development of standard operating procedure for Gender Based violence with focus to creating access to justice for women, children, vulnerable persons, the Ministry recorded six (6) convictions including that of Victor Nwachukwu, husband to the late singer Osinachi Nwachukwu”.

“Repatriation of Galactica Assets in the sum of $52,882,018.95, in the Assets sharing agreement between Nigeria and the United States in January 2025”.

Fagbemi, also explained that the Ministry has continued to ensure that Nigeria develops a child sensitive Justice system that responds to needs of children in contact with the law, whether as victims, witnesses or offenders hence the enactment of laws that criminalize a child offender is underway.

“Some measures taken to ensure safeguards for children include the review of Borstal Institutions and Remand Centers Act, 2004 and the development of the children and youths correctional institutions Bill, 2004.

The AGF, added that the interagency collaboration and cooperation with the international community to ensure that there are no safe havens for criminals in terms of extradition has recorded significant achievement in the extradition of (2) fugitives Hassan Abolore Lawal in January 2025 and Okechukwu Odunna in March, 2025 to the united States.

“Successful cooperation of the Quartari authorities for the extradition of one Benjamin Nnanyerougo A.K.A Killerboi in April 2025, to face murdered charges for the unlawful killing of his girl friend Augusta.”

On her part, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice Mrs Beatrice Jedda- Agba said the ministry will continue to take significant steps to meet its quarterly reporting obligations in full compliance with the expectation set out in the presidential priorities to ensuring their goals are not only met but, remain aligned with the evolving needs of the people.

She explained that while the Ministry is taking steps to improve the administration of justice, it is looking forward to receiving feed back from all stakeholders, to aid the Ministry and Agencies in improving service delivery in critical areas.

The Solicitor General added that the Ministry’s capacity development efforts were conducted in key areas of General Investigation & prosecution strategy, Cyber security, Forensic analysis & electronic evidence, Financial investigation & prosecution, Energy related offences, Piracy & maritime offences, Sexual & gender base violence among others.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji