Mass trial of suspected terrorists began at the Federal High Court in Abuja today, Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The trial, which typically takes place in Kainji, Niger State, north-west Nigeria, was moved to the Abuja division because the court is currently on Easter vacation which runs from April 7 to April 13.
Thirteen courtrooms at the Abuja headquarters are dedicated to these cases during the holiday period.
The trials are being presided over by multiple judges, including Justice Binta Nyako, Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice Musa Liman, and Justice Akpan Ekerete, with prosecution being led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation.
Defense of the suspects is also being led by Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of the Legal Aid Council, who is representing a group of 20 suspects before Justice Nyako.
Suspects listed on Justice Nyako’s cause list include Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Awal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu, and Abdullahi Ali.
Security has been significantly heightened in Abuja’s Central Business District, with all access roads to the court blocked by armed personnel and police helicopters patrolling the area.
Regular court sittings for all other divisions are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
