Court sentences 4 Boko Haram members to life imprisonment and 14 others to prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four people convicted of terrorism-related offenses linked to Boko Haram to life imprisonment, while 14 others received varying prison sentences.

Judge James Omotosho handed down the sentence after all the defendants pleaded guilty to charges brought by the federal government of Nigeria.

The prosecution, led by the Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented confessional statements and investigative findings through a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS).

The court admitted these materials into evidence before issuing its verdict.

Judge Omotosho ruled that the guilty pleas were in line with the defendants’ confessions, establishing the crimes beyond reasonable doubt.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment include Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba) and Babagoni Masawai.

Ali Abiso, a 30-year-old from Bama Local Government Area of ​​Borno State, was found guilty of participating in attacks in multiple communities, including Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza and Aulari.

In addition to life sentences on some cases, he received prison sentences totaling 50 years on other charges, although the court ordered these to run concurrently.

Kabiru and Ado were also sentenced to life imprisonment along with an additional 25 years in prison on separate charges.

Masawai was sentenced to life in prison on two counts, as well as additional sentences of between 10 and 20 years for other crimes.

The court also convicted 14 other defendants, sentencing them to prison terms of between 10 and 25 years depending on the charges.

Among them, Ali Mustapha was sentenced to 20 years on one count and 10 years each on several others, bringing his total to 80 years, although the sentences will run concurrently.

Other convicted individuals include Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu and Ali Musa.

The offenses were prosecuted under the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalizes participation in terrorist activities and support for extremist groups.

The court emphasized that the prosecution had sufficiently proved its case through credible evidence and voluntary confessions.

The sentence reflects ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable through the justice system.

Security agencies, including the DSS, continue to play a key role in the investigation and prosecution of insurgency-related cases.