The Federal Government has revealed that it will soon begin the trial of 5,000 suspected Boko Haram terrorists who are in various detention facilities across the country.
Director General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this while visiting the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The director general identified Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, and Kainji correctional facilities as among the locations were the Boko Haram suspects are being detained for their alleged involvement in the activities of the terrorist group.
Abubakar said the trial would be conducted by the office of the attorney general of the federation, and the office of the national security adviser in conjunction with the Theartre Command ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’, while the Legal Aid Council has been mandated to provide defence for the inmates.
He explained that the legal aid team has so far interviewed 283 of the terrorists as part of efforts to establish their involvement in terrorist activities and to understand the nature of the crime they committed.
“As their defence counsel, we have to interview them from time to time to enable us know their own part of the story. It is so because regardless of the crimes they had committed, it is possible that out of hundreds, you may find out that one or two persons are innocent.
“It is necessary for them to be represented by this council to make sure that all the requirements of the law are fulfilled. All evidence must be presented against them before the court of law so that those found guilty would be prosecuted.
“In as much as everybody is aware of the nature of the crimes they have committed under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,” the director general added.
Abubakar lauded the leadership of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ for providing the legal team with access to its detention facility to meet the inmates and interact with them, restating that the recent changes made in the military hierarchy would transform into progress in the quest to bring an end to insurgency and banditry in the country.
Governor Zulum said the government is ready to partner with the Federal Government to enable it achieve its mandate.
Represented by the deputy governor, Gov. Zulum lauded the council for providing legal support to the people of the state, while assuring them of the government’s commitment to financially support the council.
He also urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to adopt a sustainable plan in the ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ program geared towards the rehabilitation of former insurgents.
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