Mixed Reactions Trail Costly Projects and Lack of Transparency
The Federal Government has spent approximately N1.4 billion over the past 18 months on rehabilitating repentant terrorists and establishing facilities for terrorism trials. The funds were used for constructing rehabilitation centers and renovating structures for secret trials, a report by Sunday PUNCH reveals.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), created after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill in May 2022, oversees these efforts. In December 2022, the government announced plans for two centers dedicated to disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration under Operation Safe Corridor.
From December 2022 to May 2024, the Ministry of Justice disbursed N1.4 billion for these initiatives. Payments included N612 million in March 2023 to three firms for refurbishing abandoned buildings for terrorism trials and constructing dormitories for rehabilitation. In 2024, an additional N179 million went to procure computers and accessories for trial operations and continued construction of facilities.
Secret Trials and Convictions
The NCTC has secured 325 convictions of terrorists in two phases of trials at the Kainji Detention Facility. In Phase 5, conducted in July 2024, 125 convictions were obtained from 143 cases. Phase 6 involved 237 cases, with 200 convictions recorded. Sentences ranged from death penalties to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years.
Despite these results, there has been silence on the commencement of Phase 7 trials. The secretive nature of the proceedings has drawn criticism from civil society groups and security experts.
Mixed Reactions to Secret Trials
Some experts argue that secret trials lack transparency and undermine public confidence. Lekan Jackson-Ojo, a security analyst, criticized the practice, stating, “Why are we trying these enemies of humanity in secrecy when other offenders face public trials? For over 20 years, Boko Haram has killed thousands. How many have received life sentences?”
Another expert, Chidi Omeje, expressed concerns about shielding terrorists. “Why would the military or government participate in secret trials? It raises questions about procedural lapses and transparency,” he said.
However, Kabir Adamu, also a security expert, defended the government’s stance, citing security reasons. “The trials of terrorism suspects are commendable, especially for those detained for over a decade. But they must follow standard procedures to ensure compliance with the rule of law,” he stated.
