Boko Haram suspects sent for ‘proper rehabilitation’

Nigeria has freed another 475 Boko Haram suspects following a series of mass trials in which most cases were dropped for lack of evidence. Over the past week, hundreds of suspected Boko Haram extremists have appeared before a court at the Kainji military base in central Niger State. A report on the News24 site notes that the suspects are to be returned to their home states for ‘proper rehabilitation’ before being reunited with their families. Justice Ministry spokesperson Salihu Isah said the men had been arrested on grounds they either belonged to Boko Haram, or had concealed information about the group's plans or its members' whereabouts. ‘However, the Prosecution Counsel could not charge them with any offence due to lack of sufficient evidence against them. Therefore, the suspects were released,’ he said.