The Scotsman

Nigeria releases 475 Boko Haram suspects

- By MARGARET NEIGHBOUR

Authoritie­s in Nigeria are releasing hundreds of people accused of supporting an Islamic extremist group, citing a lack of evidence.

Salihu Othman Isah, a special adviser to Nigeria’s attorney general, said in a statement Sunday that 475 suspects will be sent to rehabilita­tion instead of facing trial.

They are among the more than 1,000 suspected Boko Haram members whose trials began last Monday in the central Nigerian town of Kainji.

The suspects were accused of belonging to Boko Haram or for concealing informatio­n about the group. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari recently said the era of Boko Haram terrorism “is drawing to end.” However, the group continues to launch suicide bombing attacks.

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