FG Urges Speedy Court Trials for Kidnappers, Bandits to Halt Insecurity

The Federal Government has strongly affirmed its commitment to ensuring the speedy trial of kidnappers, bandits, and terror suspects, arguing that prompt legal action by the courts is essential to reduce the alarming rate of criminality and insecurity across the nation.

Dependable NG reports that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, made this appeal while speaking at the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday.

Fagbemi stressed that rather than relying solely on detention or battlefield engagements, the government is focusing on the timely prosecution of suspects implicated in mass-casualty attacks, kidnap-for-ransom networks, extremist recruitment, and terror-financing activities.

“At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country,” Fagbemi stated. “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.”

He called on the judiciary to play its part: “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.”

The AGF confirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to combating terrorism through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, recognizing that the swift administration of justice is a vital complement to military and intelligence operations.

To facilitate this, Fagbemi hinted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the immediate appointment of additional judges for the Federal High Court to reinforce the national counter-terrorism efforts and ensure that terrorism-related cases and other matters are handled promptly and effectively.

Fagbemi also commended the Court of Appeal for the achievements recorded in the 2024/2025 legal year, specifically highlighting its special sittings and the Fast Track Practice Directions. He noted that these initiatives have been of immense value in speeding up appeal hearings for cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, and kidnapping, thereby promoting public trust in judicial procedures.