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ABUJA, NIGERIA — A coalition of over 50 civil society organisations has commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), following the reported conviction of 661 suspects in cases involving terrorism financing, banditry, cybercrime, and economic sabotage under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo.
Describing the development as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the coalition said the convictions represented a major breakthrough in the country’s efforts to combat insecurity, corruption and organised crime.
According to the group, the successful prosecution of the cases demonstrates a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to strengthen the rule of law and ensure accountability across critical sectors of national life.
The coalition noted that for many years, high-profile criminal prosecutions were often slowed by prolonged legal delays and procedural bottlenecks, but argued that the current administration had introduced reforms that have significantly improved the efficiency of federal prosecutions.
It credited the Attorney-General with fostering stronger collaboration among key law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The successful conviction of 661 cases is not merely a statistical accomplishment but evidence of a deliberate and systematic approach to justice administration,” the statement said.
The coalition further stated that a substantial number of the convictions involved individuals accused of financing terrorism, aiding banditry, and engaging in activities that undermined national security and economic stability.
It argued that the outcomes would serve as a deterrent to criminal networks while reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s justice system.
The group also maintained that the convictions have enhanced Nigeria’s international reputation by demonstrating the capacity of its judicial institutions to prosecute complex criminal cases effectively.
Passing what it described as a unanimous vote of confidence on the Attorney-General, the coalition praised Fagbemi’s leadership, professionalism and commitment to constitutional principles.
The organisation said the Ministry of Justice under his stewardship had strengthened public trust in the administration of justice and advanced efforts to protect the public interest.
While celebrating the reported achievements, the coalition urged judicial officers, prosecutors and other stakeholders within the criminal justice system to sustain the momentum by ensuring the speedy and transparent handling of criminal cases.
The group also pledged its readiness to support initiatives aimed at strengthening legal accountability and combating terrorism, banditry and other forms of organised crime across the country.
The statement concluded by urging all institutions involved in the administration of justice to continue working collaboratively to consolidate recent gains in the fight against crime and insecurity.
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