Building Capacity of Nigerian Judicial Sector to Prosecute Terrorism and Atrocity Cases
Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement
- 19.703 -- Criminal Justice Systems
Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026
View version history on Grants.gov
Description
Nigeria is ranked 8th most impacted country by terrorism globally according to the 2023 Global Terrorism index. Groups like ISIS West Africa (ISIS-WA) and Boko Haram have committed horrendous atrocities like massacres and mass killings, use of sexual violence and enslavement, suicide bombings, abductions, and forced conscription. These atrocities, especially in Nigeria’s northern region, have caused widespread fear among citizens, worsened a humanitarian crisis, and increased gross violations of human rights. To hold the perpetrators of these atrocities accountable, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice has assigned the prosecution of terrorism and atrocities cases to the ministry’s Complex Case Group. Furthermore, the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which has jurisdiction over terrorism cases, has assigned a number of judges to adjudicate these cases. Nigeria’s Legal Aid Council (LACON) also provides defense to the persons charged with committing atrocities. In addition to these, the National Human Rights Commission is tasked with the responsibility of promoting and protecting human rights and the investigation of human rights violations.
...
Thousands of terrorism cases in Nigeria remain backlogged. The backlog results from prosecutors’ and judges’ limited knowledge of prosecuting atrocities cases. Existing cases languish because of institutional administrative problems, including Nigerian judges transcribing court proceedings by hand, resulting in delays and errors. Lawyers at the Legal Aid Council also have limited specialized training which contributes to delays in the process and lack of proper defense for suspects. Detainees are kept in government detention facilities located at significant distances from the government officials responsible for the prosecution, defense and judgements, creating significant logistical challenges. Poor case management, disorganized court administration, and a lack of coordination between the Complex Case Group, Federal High Court, and the Joint Investigative Center (the unit responsible for investigating terrorism cases comprised of military, police and state security service investigators) further impede progress on atrocity cases.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Nonprofit
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
- Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
Education
- Public and state institutions of higher education
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Grantor Email
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| INL24CA0053_NOFO_QAs_Jun_7_2024.pdf | INL24CA0053 NOFO Q&As (Jun 7, 2024).pdf | Jun 7, 2024 04:37 PM UTC |
| SF424_Docs_-_Application_for_Federal_Assistance.zip | SF424 Docs - Application for Federal Assistance | May 3, 2024 02:33 PM UTC |
| FY23_INL_Templates_and_Forms_for_Grants.gov.zip | FY23 INL Templates and Forms | May 3, 2024 02:32 PM UTC |
| INL24CA0053_NOFO_Atrocity_Prosecution_FINAL.pdf | INL24CA0053 NOFO Atrocity Prosecution (FINAL) | May 3, 2024 02:32 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Archived: July 28, 2024
Award
$1,000,000
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$750,000
Award Minimum
$1,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
INL24CA0053-AMENIGERIA-ATROCPROSEC-05032
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Law justice and legal services
Category Explanation:
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
May 3, 2024
Archive date:
July 28, 2024
