Court jails 4 terrorists for life, convicts 14 others
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced four Boko Haram members to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. A Department of State Services (DSS) operative testified during the trial, tendering confessional statements and investigation reports, which were admitted as evidence. The four convicts—Ali […]
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced four Boko Haram members to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
A Department of State Services (DSS) operative testified during the trial, tendering confessional statements and investigation reports, which were admitted as evidence.
The four convicts—Ali Abiso, Bakura Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai—received life sentences on multiple counts.
Ali Abiso was sentenced to life imprisonment on counts two and four, and 25 years each on counts one and three, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The charges included participation in Boko Haram attacks in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari on or before July 8, 2022, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Bakura Kabiru was handed life imprisonment on count two and 25 years on counts one and three, while Ado (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 each on counts three to five.
In addition, 14 other defendants were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years.
One of them, Ali Mustapha, received 20 years on count one and 10 years on each of counts two to seven, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently.
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 Federal Government was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside a team of prosecutors led by Rotimi Oyedepo.
The minister disclosed that about 500 suspects are currently being prosecuted in the ninth phase of the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects in Abuja.