Federal Government pushes for swift judicial action against terror suspects
AGF Fagbemi appeals to court for timely prosecution of kidnappers and bandits to curb impunity
The Federal Government (FG) has intensified its focus on the judiciary as a critical component of its strategy to curb rising insecurity across the nation.
The government is strongly advocating for the speedy trial of suspects involved in kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. This push is based on the claim that the prompt administration of justice will significantly reduce the rate of criminality and dismantle the pervasive culture of impunity.
Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, made this urgent appeal on Monday. He spoke at the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Fagbemi emphasized that the government is shifting focus from relying solely on detention or battlefield engagements to the timely prosecution of criminals implicated in terror and mass-casualty attacks.
Insecurity threatens the very fabric of constitutional democracy
The AGF described the current state of insecurity as a “grave challenge” that confronts the country at a solemn juncture in its national life. He noted that threats ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes are prevalent across the nation. Fagbemi warned that these threats “imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.”
He urged the judiciary, as the “guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law,” to lend its weight to the national efforts to combat insecurity. The courts, through “firm, consistent, and courageous adjudication,” are expected to ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable. This judicial action is seen as essential to dismantling impunity and protecting the sanctity of human life and property.
Swift justice is a vital complement to kinetic operations
Fagbemi reiterated the federal government’s dual commitment to combating terrorism through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. However, he stressed that the swift administration of justice is a “vital complement” to the military and intelligence operations already underway. The AGF stated that prosecuting delays can prolong periods of insecurity and ultimately damage public trust in judicial procedures.
He emphasized that the judicial system’s effectiveness is significantly strengthened when terrorism cases receive swift hearings and resolutions. This demonstrably shows that terror-related offenses face immediate and decisive legal action from the state. The timely delivery of justice is therefore considered a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-terrorism battle.
Government committed to boosting judicial capacity
The federal government acknowledged that the goal of achieving speedy trials requires dedicated resources and capacity building within the courts. The AGF confirmed that the administration is “mindful” that prompt trials can only be achieved by enhancing the capacity of the judges who handle these complex dockets. This recognition addresses the long-standing issue of case congestion in the nation’s courts.
Consequently, Fagbemi hinted that President Tinubu is committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges for the Federal High Court. This move is aimed at reinforcing and boosting the national counter-terrorism efforts. The additional judicial personnel will help ensure that terrorism-related cases and other cases are handled promptly and effectively across all jurisdictions.
Court of appeal fast track directions praised as model
The AGF expressed satisfaction with the recent achievements of the Court of Appeal in the 2024/2025 legal year. He specifically lauded the court’s innovation of holding special sittings across its divisions to tackle case congestion and expedite justice delivery. This approach has already significantly reduced the backlog and demonstrated responsiveness to public concerns about delays.
Fagbemi singled out the Court of Appeal’s Fast Track Practice Directions as being of immense value in speeding up appeal hearings for serious crimes. These specific practice directions cover cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping, and similar offenses. He concluded by expressing happiness that the Court of Appeal has maintained a necessary, independent, yet healthy relationship with the executive arm of government.
