The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to commence the trial of over 5,000 suspected Boko Haram members who are in various detention facilities across the country.
This was made known by the Director-General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, when he paid a courtesy visit to Borno Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Abubakar mentioned locations where the suspected insurgents were being detained to include; Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, Kainji Correctional facilities.
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He said the trial would be conducted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Office of the National Security Advisers in collaboration with the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, while the Legal Aid Council has been mandated to provide defense for the inmates.
He further explained that the legal aid team has so far interviewed 283 suspects as part of efforts to establish their involvement in terrorism and as well understand the nature of the crime they committed.
‘As their defense counsel, we have to interview them from time to time to enable us to know their own part of the story. It so because regardless of the crimes they 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 the law so that those found guilty would be prosecuted. In as much as everybody is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,‘ he said.
Abubakar praised 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.
He said the recent changes made in the military leadership would transform into progress in the quest to bring an end to insurgency and banditry in the country.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
