The Federal Government says it will soon begin the trial of 5,000 Boko Haram suspects who are in various detention facilities across the country.
This was disclosed by the Director General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The DG said the suspects were detained in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, Kainji Correctional facilities, amongst others, for their alleged involvement in the activities of the Boko Haram sect.
Abubakar 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 Theater Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, while the Legal Aid Council would provide defence for the inmates.
He 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 defence counsel, we have to interview them from time to time to enable us 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 every body is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
