KEY POINTS

• Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four Boko Haram members to life imprisonment after guilty pleas.
• Justice James Omotosho also convicted 14 others, handing them prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years.
• The judgment followed DSS evidence and confessional statements tendered by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced four members of Boko Haram to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism related charges filed by the Federal Government.

The judge also convicted 14 other suspects, handing down prison terms ranging between 20 and 25 years on various counts. A witness from the Department of State Services gave evidence during the trial, while confessional statements and investigation reports were tendered and admitted as exhibits.

The Federal Government was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside a team of lawyers including Rotimi Oyedepo.

The four terrorists sentenced to life imprisonment are Ali Abiso, Bakura Kabiru, Ado, and Babagoni Masawai.

Ali Abiso received life imprisonment on counts two and four, and 25 years each on counts one and three, with the court directing that the sentences run concurrently. Count four relates to his participation in Boko Haram attacks in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari on or before July 8, 2022, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Bakura Kabiru was sentenced to life imprisonment on count two and 25 years on counts one and three. Ado, also known as Luka Garba, received life imprisonment on count two and 25 years on count one. Babagoni Masawai was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts six and seven, 20 years on counts one and two, and 10 years on counts three, four, and five.

Fourteen others handed jail terms

The court also sentenced 14 other convicts to various prison terms. Among them, Ali Mustapha received 20 years on count one and 10 years each on counts two to seven, totaling 80 years, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently following his plea for mercy.

Other convicts 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 verdict underscores the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen national security.