By David Torough, Abuja

Nigeria has recorded 2,512 convictions in 11 phases of terrorism-related trials, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to prosecute not only terrorists but also individuals and organisations providing financial, logistical and other forms of support to insurgent groups.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.

-Gen. Adamu Laka, disclosed this on Tuesday, in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 11th phase of terrorism trials.

Laka said the latest exercise, conducted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, between October 15 and 24, resulted in 791 convictions from 1,069 cases handled across 10 courts.

He listed other outcomes as seven acquittals, 41 discharges, four cases struck out and three withdrawn, while 211 cases were adjourned and 11 remained pending.

The latest figures bring the total number of convictions recorded in the first 11 phases to 2,512, following the 1,721 convictions secured during the preceding 10 phases.

According to Laka, the results reflect the government’s determination to ensure accountability for terrorism-related offences while strengthening the administration of criminal justice.

Among the notable outcomes of the latest phase was the conviction and death sentence imposed on Suleiman Abu for membership of Boko Haram and involvement in attacks on military installations and civilians.

Laka said the attacks resulted in deaths and serious injuries, adding that the judgment underscored the principle that those found guilty of terrorism must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

He, however, emphasised that the prosecution of terrorism suspects must respect judicial independence, constitutional guarantees and due process.

Beyond direct involvement in attacks, the NCTC coordinator disclosed that 201 terrorism financing cases were also handled during the latest phase, describing the disruption of financial networks as a critical component of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy.

He explained that terrorist organisations depended on financial resources to acquire weapons, recruit members, facilitate movement and sustain their operations.

Laka said the government would strengthen collaboration among investigative agencies, prosecutors, financial intelligence institutions and other relevant bodies to identify and dismantle the networks sustaining terrorism.

He stressed that the objective of the trials was not to secure convictions at all costs but to ensure that every case was determined fairly, based on credible evidence and in accordance with the law.

He noted that acquittals, discharges and other judicial decisions were equally important in demonstrating the credibility of the justice system.

The NCTC coordinator also called for sustained support for victims and survivors of terrorism, including psychological assistance, rehabilitation, access to justice and the restoration of communities affected by insurgency.

He urged relevant institutions to strengthen witness protection mechanisms to shield victims and witnesses from intimidation, threats and reprisals during investigations and prosecutions.

Laka attributed the outcomes of the trials to improved institutional cooperation, evidence management, effective case preparation and the timely presentation of defendants and witnesses before the courts.

He commended the Federal High Court, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, prosecuting and defence counsel, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and security agencies for their contributions.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, towards the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Meanwhile, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned that individuals and organisations that knowingly provide support to terrorists could face prosecution, even when their actions do not directly result in attacks.

The Director of Legal Services, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, said the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, criminalised a broad range of activities, including financing, facilitating, preparing for and providing support to terrorist organisations.

He explained that the law extended criminal liability beyond individuals who physically participate in terrorist attacks to those who knowingly assist or sustain terrorist activities.

Mijinyawa cited provisions prohibiting support for terrorism, which attract a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, as well as offences relating to the provision of property to terrorists, including renting accommodation to them.

He further disclosed that companies found to have received terrorist financing could face a fine of N200 million, irrespective of whether the funds were eventually deployed to carry out terrorist acts.

He urged Nigerians, particularly journalists and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to understand the full scope of the government’s counter-terrorism prosecution strategy.

Also speaking, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said the government would not prosecute anyone without sufficient evidence establishing a case to answer.

Oyedepo said the prosecution process involved cooperation among investigative agencies, arresting authorities, prosecutors, security institutions and the judiciary.

He disclosed that about 1,047 charges were filed during the latest phase, describing the exercise as an indication of the capacity of relevant institutions to manage complex terrorism-related prosecutions.

He explained that cases lacking sufficient evidence were subjected to legal review, with appropriate recommendations forwarded to investigative agencies.

According to him, individuals not indicted after investigations could be recommended for release, rehabilitation and safe reintegration into society.

He added that such individuals might require psychological support and community-based rehabilitation to address trauma and reduce their vulnerability to further security threats.

On the rights of defendants, Oyedepo said suspects were not brought before the courts without legal representation, explaining that relevant information was transmitted to the Legal Aid Council to facilitate access to legal services.

He said defendants were also free to engage private legal practitioners, while international organisations, non-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions were invited to observe the proceedings.

Oyedepo maintained that the judiciary independently assessed evidence presented by the prosecution and determined whether it met the required legal threshold.

He also noted that the Constitution provided remedies, including damages and apologies ordered by competent courts, for individuals whose rights were violated or who were wrongly accused.

Similarly, the Technical Assistant to the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Hassan Dauda, said defendants were given opportunities to consult their lawyers before trial.

Dauda disclosed that legal teams visited detention facilities in Kainji and Maiduguri to interview defendants and assess their cases in an appropriate environment.

He said the arrangement was part of efforts by government institutions to guarantee the constitutional right to legal representation, particularly for defendants facing capital charges.

He added that defendants who wished to engage private lawyers were also permitted to do so through the appropriate procedures.

By David Torough, Abuja

Ejeziem Chukwuemeka Joseph has been elected President General of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association (AHOBA), polling 152 votes in the association’s 2026 election.

Ejeziem defeated two other candidates, Onyia Nwabueze Cyril, who scored 91 votes, and Obibuba Stanislaw Amechi, who received 29 votes.

He succeeds Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo, who served as President General from 2022 to 2026.

Nwankpo was preceded by Prof. Fidelis Okafor, who led the association from 2002 to 2022.

Okafor is a former Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, while Nwankpo served as Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Technical Matters and Secretary of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

In the other positions, Christian Ezenwa Ikedinma emerged Vice President with 144 votes, defeating Onunkwo Chukwuma Martin, who polled 110 votes.

Anthony Echibe Chukwuemeka won the Financial Secretary position with 141 votes against Ezeonyia Sebastian Emeka, who scored 120 votes.

Ezeonyia Damian Chigozie emerged as Public Relations Officer I with 159 votes, defeating Udoh Benedict Sunny, who polled 98 votes.

Other members of the new executive include Fr. Paschal Okokwo as Secretary, Ifeanyi Valerian Okechukwu as Assistant Secretary and Okafor Tobias Obi as Public Relations Officer II.

In his post-election message to members, Ejeziem, who is the youngest person elected as President-General of the association since inception thanked those who supported his emergence, describing the victory as an opportunity to build an association that would serve members across different generations.

He said the new administration would work towards designing an association that meets the needs of members and provides support for senior old boys.

Ejeziem also acknowledged the contributions of former leaders, members of different sets and those who participated in the election.

He expressed appreciation to members of his executive for accepting to serve, saying that important work lay ahead for the new administration.

In his manifesto, titled Let Love Lead, Ejeziem outlined areas of focus, including healthcare and welfare support for senior members, mentorship and opportunities for younger members, strengthening the association, supporting former teachers and domestic staff, and improving the association’s contributions to All Hallows Seminary.

He also proposed health outreaches for senior members, a mentorship programme connecting younger members with experienced professionals, and an AHOBA Business and Professional Summit.

On strengthening the association, he proposed constitutional reforms, improved representation of individual sets and more accessible voting arrangements.

Ejeziem, an alumnus of the 1997 set, is a First Class graduate of Philosophy and holds a master’s degree in Information Technology Management.

He is the co-founder of Deacons Digital Solutions Ltd, promoters of the Prep50 Past Questions Series for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

He previously served as president of his set, chairman of AHOBA Shoprite Football Club and secretary of the Centenary Fundraising Committee for the seminary’s centenary celebrations.

He said his administration would require the cooperation and support of members to translate its commitments into practical achievements.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo has donated N35 million for the completion of the ongoing community Town Hall project in Takete-Ide Amuro, Mopamuro Local Government Area.

The governor also promised and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fix the Orokere-Ayede-Takete Ide road where the Owowo Bridge is located.

Ododo made the pledge over the weekend, at the 2026 Takete-Ide Amuro Centenary Celebration and Development Fundraising, where he was represented by the Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly, Rt.

Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf.

The governor described the centenary as a celebration of 100 years of history, heritage and the remarkable journey of Takete-Ide Amuro since its settlement in its present location in 1926.

The governor commended the community’s spirit of self-help, noting that its first primary school, secondary school and health centre were built through communal efforts before government intervention.

He said the ongoing Town Hall and Palace projects were important initiatives that will strengthen community administration and preserve traditional heritage, pledging government’s support within available resources.

“On a personal note, I have released funds of N35 million towards the completion of the Town Hall project as my personal contribution to the development of this community,” Ododo said.

On infrastructure, the governor said he was aware of the deplorable condition of the Orokere-Ayede-Takete Ide road, particularly the Owowo Bridge, which had been brought to his attention by his cabinet member from the area.

“Our engineers are assessing the situation and I want to assure you that we will attend to the road in due course. When we make a promise, we are committed to ensuring that it is fulfilled,” he assured.

Ododo urged youths to sustain the legacy of communal development, embrace education and entrepreneurship, and called on sons and daughters in the diaspora to invest in the community.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible intelligence to safeguard lives and property.

The Chief Host and Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, who is also Commissioner for Information and Communication, said the centenary marked 100 years since the community moved to its present location in 1926.

He called for unity, noting that the community achieved its early schools and health centre through communal efforts.

The Alamuro of Amuro Kingdom, HRM Oba Alfred Modupe Aiyedogbon, said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase the culture of the people and draw government attention to challenges, especially the bad road and bridge.

He urged communities to embrace self-help, noting that the government cannot do everything, and called for peace, saying Amuro remains one of the most peaceful communities in Kogi.

The Baale of Amuro Kingdom, Chief Eric Fiki, said the week-long event was to honour past heroes, celebrate the living and raise funds to complete the town hall and palace projects.

Fiki said the community believes in self-help but still deserves government presence, adding that the community is fully in support of Gov. Ododo and President Bola Tinubu.

The National President, Takete-Ide Progressive Union (TIPU), Prince Richard Fiki, said the centenary was about heritage, peace, love and unity, aimed at promoting culture and attracting investment and government intervention in agriculture and other areas.

Highlight of the occasion was conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on personalities for contributions to community development, cultural displays and presentation of gifts to the Special Guest of Honour.

One of the recipients, Chief Adekunle Abogun, the Gbobaniyi of Takete-Ide, said giving back to the community should not wait until one has billions, stressing that the government cannot do everything and individuals must support health, education and infrastructure.

The celebration brought together government functionaries, traditional rulers, lawmakers and sons and daughters of Takete-Ide Amuro at home and in diaspora.