Nigeria Starts Mass Trial of Suspected Terrorists in Abuja

African outlets present the Abuja mass trial as a long-awaited effort by the Nigerian government to clear terrorism case backlogs and show that attackers will be punished. They stress statements from Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi and other officials that due process is being followed and that victims will see some justice. They expect more convictions and sentences in the coming weeks as judges work through the list of 500 suspects.

• •Nigerian officials say the ninth phase of terrorism trials in Abuja is designed to reduce overcrowding in detention centres holding suspects without trial.
• •Government statements emphasise that each terrorism suspect in Abuja has been assigned legal representation before proceedings start.
• •Local reports highlight that four terrorists have already been sentenced to life imprisonment and 14 others convicted on various counts.
• •Security commentators in Nigeria argue that visible convictions in Abuja will discourage recruitment into Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
• •Some Nigerian outlets report that courts are considering compensation orders for victims of attacks as part of the terrorism judgments.