BREAKING: 5,000 suspected Boko Haram members to face trial – FG

Nigerian government is set to begin the trial of 5,000 suspected Boko Haram members who are in various detention facilities across the country.

The Director General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, made this know during a courtesy visit to Borno Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.

Abubakar identified Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, Kainji Correctional facilities, among the locations were the suspects are being detained over their alleged involvement in the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

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.

He said, “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 everybody is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,” he said.