The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to accelerate the trial of kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and others involved in violent crimes that continue to endanger lives across the country.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said prompt prosecution of suspects is crucial to curbing the rising wave of criminality nationwide. He stressed that the government is prioritising timely trials over prolonged detention or exclusive reliance on military operations.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Fagbemi described the nation’s security challenges as “grave,” noting that insurgency, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping threaten both citizens’ safety and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
He urged the judiciary to play a decisive role in restoring public confidence, saying:
“The courts, through firm and courageous adjudication, can dismantle impunity and ensure that those who undermine peace and stability are held accountable.”
Fagbemi said the government’s counter-terrorism strategy blends kinetic and non-kinetic measures, with swift justice seen as a vital support to security and intelligence operations. To ensure this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he revealed, is set to approve the immediate appointment of more Federal High Court judges to speed up terrorism and related cases.
He noted that speedy trials also depend on strengthening judicial capacity, adding that the administration is committed to equipping judges who handle high-risk cases.
The AGF called for nationwide unity in confronting terrorism, insisting that the moment requires “collective resolve, not distraction.”
Commending the Court of Appeal for its innovations in the past legal year—including special sittings to address case congestion—Fagbemi said these efforts have significantly reduced backlogs and improved access to justice.
He also praised the Court’s Fast Track Practice Directions, which have hastened appeals involving terrorism, kidnapping, human trafficking and other serious crimes. According to him, the initiative is crucial to the Tinubu administration’s anti-terrorism drive, as prosecution delays often worsen insecurity and weaken public trust in the justice system.
Fagbemi lauded the Court for maintaining an independent yet constructive relationship with the executive, saying this balance ensures harmony in governance while safeguarding the separation of powers.
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