The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced several individuals for offences linked to terrorism, handing down prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years over their involvement in supporting the Boko Haram insurgent group.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, delivered the judgments in separate cases prosecuted by the Federal Government, ordering that all the convicts undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation as part of efforts to curb violent extremism.
One of the convicts, Hamatu Modu, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on membership of Boko Haram, provision of material support, and handling funds linked to the proscribed group. He pleaded guilty to all counts.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that Modu provided food and other items to the террорист group and handled funds amounting to N20,000.
Following his guilty plea, the court admitted his extrajudicial statement and investigation report in evidence and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.
In a related case, Isa Ali was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after admitting to providing support to Boko Haram.
Ali, who faced a two-count charge, pleaded guilty to supplying clothes and logistics to the group.
The court struck out the count relating to membership following an application by the prosecution and convicted him based on the admitted charge. His sentence is to take effect from the date of arrest.
Similarly, Auwal Bello was convicted for facilitating terrorism financing.
The court heard that he aided the exchange of about N750,000 during the naira redesign policy and paid N20,000 as levy to the террорист group. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on two counts, to run concurrently.
In another case, Shehu Bukar was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to providing support to Boko Haram through cattle rustling and sale of livestock to the group.
Bukar had initially faced a five-count charge, including alleged participation in terrorist attacks and weapons training, but the prosecution withdrew four counts to proceed on the charge he admitted.
While pleading for leniency, his counsel described him as a first-time offender, but the court held that the offence was “gruesome” and proceeded to impose a stiffer sentence.
Justice Nyako directed that all the convicts serve their terms in facilities designated by the Ministry of Interior and undergo mandatory rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes.
The convictions underscore ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on terrorism financing, logistics, and support networks linked to Boko Haram.
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