US commends Nigeria for 386 terrorism convictions, urges sustained judicial reforms
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United States has commended the Nigerian government for securing 386 convictions in terrorism-related cases, describing it as a significant step towards justice and accountability. Massad Boulosin, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, praised Nigeria’s efforts to fast-track terrorism trials, noting the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays. The U.S. emphasized the importance of timely and transparent legal processes in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed that out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, 386 convictions were secured, with eight discharges, two acquittals, and 112 cases adjourned. The ninth phase of trials, which involved over 500 suspects arraigned under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, concluded on April 10, 2026, and the tenth phase is scheduled for June 15-18. Fagbemi stated that the inclusion of discharges and acquittals demonstrates the government’s commitment to due process and the rule of law. These convictions occur amidst international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, following a late 2025 designation by former U.S. President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to concerns over violence linked to extremist groups, a designation the Nigerian governmen
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Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with the newly confirmed United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja. This meeting aimed to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations. Garcia's visit to Nigeria is his first since assuming office on June 1, 2026, and is part of a West African tour that includes Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Ribadu stated on X that the discussion reviewed progress by the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation on shared security priorities. Garcia, a 28-year US Navy veteran, previously served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His appointment filled a vacancy in the Africa post that had lasted over a year.
The president of the Senegalese football federation, Abdoulaye Fall, stated on Monday that coach Pape Thiaw's salary demands created a toxic environment for the team at the World Cup. Thiaw, 45, was sacked on Sunday after Senegal's elimination in the last 32 by Belgium on July 1. Fall explained that a breakdown in trust occurred due to Thiaw's initial refusal to sign a new contract, as he had requested a salary increase from 20 million CFA to 30,000 CFA before the World Cup. Fall also mentioned that Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met, and it was Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye who convinced him to change his mind. The contract was eventually signed on the eve of their second game against Norway, after Thiaw reportedly refused to sit in the dugout until it was finalized. Fall indicated that Thiaw believed federation officials were his enemies, which affected the national team's operations. During the World Cup, the Lions of Teranga experienced two group stage defeats against France and Norway before a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds. Under Thiaw, Senegal had won the Africa Cup of Nations in January but were later stripped of the title for walking off the pitch during the final against Morocco.
Built environment professionals are urging a thorough technical audit of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex construction site after a section of its cantilevered entrance canopy collapsed, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Experts from engineering and architecture, including Engr. Suleiman Abba of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Engr. Musa Achindo of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, emphasized the need for an independent assessment to determine the cause and strengthen safety standards. Arc. Mustapha Adamu of the Nigerian Institute of Architects advocated for a multidisciplinary investigation. The Gombe State Government has initiated an immediate investigation, confirming eight workers were involved, with one death and seven injuries. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya expressed condolences and directed that all injured workers receive medical care at the government's expense. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, along with other agencies, has been instructed to commence safety and accountability procedures. The contractor and supervising consultant are required to submit an incident report within 24 hours, followed by preliminary and comprehensive technical reports. The government assured the public that the investigation's findings would guide future actions and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety and quality standards in public infrastructure projects.