# Nigeria mass terrorism trials in Abuja

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-mass-terrorism-trials-in-abuja
> Updated: 2026-10-23T14:16:21.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The Nigerian Federal Government initiated a new phase of mass trials for suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court in Abuja to address a backlog of insurgency and armed group cases. During early proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence against the Ansaru terrorist group, including video footage of the alleged beheading of a schoolteacher and church deacon, John Olaleye. Authorities also noted that two defendants are wanted by the United States and the United Kingdom.

By late October 2026, the judicial process saw significant results. During the 11th phase of these special trials, which involved 1,060 suspects, the court processed 880 cases. This phase resulted in 653 convictions, seven acquittals, and 27 discharges. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi described this as the largest phase since the commencement of the special trials, attributing the progress to collaboration between judicial officers, security agencies, and legal institutions.

## Claims

- 653 terrorism suspects were convicted during the 11th phase of special terrorism trials. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 11th phase of trials involved 1,060 suspects. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The court heard 880 cases as of Friday midday. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The trials resulted in seven acquittals and 27 discharges. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 11th phase is the largest since the special terrorism trials began. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Justice Binta Nyako led the judges handling the cases. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Nigeria convicts 653 terrorism suspects in mass trials

Nigeria has convicted 653 terrorism suspects during its 11th phase of mass trials in Abuja, involving 1,060 total suspects.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-convicts-653-terrorism-suspects-in-mass-trials

### 2026-10-15: Nigeria begins mass terrorism trials in Abuja

Nigeria has launched mass terrorism trials in Abuja, involving suspected Ansaru members wanted by the US and UK and presenting evidence from school abductions in Oyo State.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-begins-mass-terrorism-trials-in-abuja

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Cite as: Nigeria mass terrorism trials in Abuja. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-mass-terrorism-trials-in-abuja