The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the country’s judiciary to accelerate the trial of individuals facing terrorism-related charges and other serious offences, describing quick and firm adjudication as a critical pillar in restoring public confidence and strengthening national security. Okay News reports.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, during the ceremony marking the commencement of the Court of Appeal 2025/2026 Legal Year. The event drew senior government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who assured the gathering of renewed federal commitment to improving the living and working conditions of judicial officers.
Fagbemi emphasized that Nigeria’s current security reality demands urgent and coordinated action across all institutions, stressing that an efficient judiciary is essential to defeating criminal networks ranging from insurgency groups to kidnap-for-ransom syndicates.
He stated, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is also impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.”
The Attorney General highlighted the judiciary’s constitutional responsibility, noting that the courts must function courageously and consistently in order to dismantle impunity.
He said, “The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity. Through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication, the courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”
Fagbemi insisted that terrorism-related matters must not linger, stressing that delays undermine the credibility of national counter-terrorism efforts.
According to him, “The judicial system’s effectiveness strengthens when terrorism cases receive swift hearings and resolutions, which demonstrates that terrorism faces immediate and decisive legal action.”
Speaking further, the Attorney General reaffirmed that the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is combining military operations, intelligence work, and legal strategies to address insecurity holistically.
He explained, “The Federal Government remains deeply committed to combating terrorism through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. It recognises that the swift administration of justice is a vital complement to military and intelligence operations.”
He added that rather than mass detentions or exclusive reliance on security agencies, the administration prioritizes the timely prosecution of suspects involved in mass-casualty attacks, extremist recruitment networks, terror financing, and kidnap-for-ransom operations.
Fagbemi also acknowledged staffing gaps in the courts but assured that the government is moving swiftly to address them.
He said, “The government of President Bola Tinubu is therefore committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges of the Federal High Court to reinforce and boost our national counter-terrorism efforts and ensure that terrorism-related cases and other cases are handled promptly and effectively.”
He urged citizens to contribute to a collective national front against insecurity, stating, “Let me also seize this opportunity to call on all citizens to unite in confronting the scourge of terrorism. This is a time for collective resolve – not distraction – as we work together to secure our nation.”
FCT Minister Announces Housing Support For Judges
Also speaking at the ceremony, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that new budgetary provisions have been approved for the construction of residential quarters to address housing shortages affecting judges, particularly those serving in the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted Wike as saying, “The reasoning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”
The Minister also announced that the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land has been formally handed over, adding that full perimeter fencing of the complex has begun to strengthen the security of Nigeria’s highest court.
According to him, the swift intervention is designed to restore institutional confidence within the judiciary. He explained, “This swift intervention gives the apex court the much-needed confidence that had been lacking in past administrations. This confidence-building action trickles down to every arm of the judiciary.”
Ongoing Judicial Infrastructure Projects
The FCT Administration has previously flagged off multiple judicial projects, including new residences for Heads of Courts, a Magistrate Court in Jabi District, quarters for Nigerian Law School staff, and fresh infrastructure for the Court of Appeal, National Industrial Court, and the Federal High Court.
Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s dedication to justice reforms, saying, “The FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms. Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is needed. Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust.”
He expressed optimism that the new legal year would deliver greater efficiency and improved justice delivery across the judicial system.
