The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for a stronger and more effective judicial response to terrorism-related cases, stressing that court decisions in such matters play a crucial role in shaping national credibility and public confidence in the justice system.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call at a biennial workshop on counterterrorism and judicial responses to money laundering and illicit financial flows, organised by the National Judicial Institute, NJI, in Abuja.
The workshop came amid renewed momentum in Nigeria’s anti-terrorism campaign, following a joint precision operation in the Lake Chad Basin which reportedly led to the death of Abu Bilal al-Mani, described by United States President Donald Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally and one of the most active terrorists in the world.
Delivering the keynote address, the CJN said the judiciary must constantly strike a delicate constitutional balance between national security imperatives and the protection of fundamental rights.
According to her, measures adopted in the name of security must remain lawful, proportionate and consistent with constitutional guarantees.
“Judicial decisions in terrorism-related cases play a critical role in shaping national credibility and public confidence in the justice system,” she said.
“The judiciary is continually called upon to strike a delicate constitutional balance between national security imperatives and the preservation of fundamental human rights. Courts must therefore ensure that measures adopted in the name of security remain lawful, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional guarantees.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also urged judges to embrace modern technology in the administration of justice, while insisting that justice delivery must retain a human face.
She particularly highlighted the need for compassion in cases involving children associated with extremist groups, noting that many of them are victims of indoctrination, coercion or socio-economic vulnerability.
The CJN said judicial responses in such cases must combine firmness with compassion, ensuring accountability while also prioritising reintegration, deradicalisation and societal healing.
In his opening remarks, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR (Rtd.), emphasised the need for an effective witness protection programme to encourage people with evidence in terrorism cases to come forward.
He noted that the willingness of witnesses to provide evidence often depends on their confidence in the justice system’s ability to guarantee their safety.
According to him, where such confidence is absent, the administration of justice is significantly weakened.
The one-day workshop brought together judicial officers, investigators, prosecutors and relevant agencies involved in counterterrorism, financial crimes and witness protection.
The discussions focused on strengthening Nigeria’s legal and institutional response to terrorism, money laundering and illicit financial flows, especially as authorities intensify efforts to tackle terrorism both on the battlefield and in the courts.
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