Nigerian authorities have launched one of the country's largest-ever terrorism prosecutions, with more than 500 suspects accused of involvement in militant attacks now facing trial.

The charges include aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly in the north-east, where an insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamist group has persisted for 17 years. The mass trial began on Tuesday at a High Court in the capital, Abuja, where 227 suspects were arraigned before a panel of 10 judges.

 Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nigerian lawyer, writer and activist, Douglas Ogbankwa.