Fagbemi to Judiciary: Fast-track terrorism trials

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on the judiciary to accelerate the handling of cases tied to terrorism and other violent offences, saying the courts must play a crucial role in confronting the country’s escalating security threats.

Fagbemi made the appeal on Monday in Abuja at the ceremony marking the opening of the Court of Appeal’s 2025/2026 Legal Year. The session was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who pledged improved housing for judges so they can operate without the distractions associated with inadequate accommodation.

Addressing the gathering, the AGF underscored the urgency of confronting insecurity and emphasised that the courts must reinforce national efforts through timely adjudication.

Fagbemi said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is also impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.

“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication, the courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”**

He added that the justice system only becomes truly effective when terrorism cases are handled without delay.

“The judicial system’s effectiveness strengthens when terrorism cases receive swift hearings and resolutions, which demonstrates that terrorism faces immediate and decisive legal action.

“The Federal Government remains deeply committed to combating terrorism through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. It recognises that the swift administration of justice is a vital complement to military and intelligence operations.

“Accordingly, rather than resorting to indiscriminate detention or relying solely on battlefield engagements, the government is focused on the timely prosecution of suspects implicated in mass-casualty attacks, kidnap-for-ransom networks, extremist recruitment, and terror-financing activities,” Fagbemi said.

He acknowledged the need for more judicial manpower but assured that the government was already moving to strengthen the bench.

“The government is equally mindful that this can only be achieved by enhancing the capacity of the judges who would handle these cases and other cases in the docket of our courts.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu, is therefore committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges of the Federal High Court to reinforce and boost our national counter-terrorism efforts and ensure that terrorism-related cases and other cases are handled promptly and effectively.

“Let me also seize this opportunity to call on all citizens to unite in confronting the scourge of terrorism. This is a time for collective resolve, not distraction, as we work together to secure our nation.”