Court Jails 4 Boko Haram Fighters For Life, Sentences 14 Others, Releases Widow
By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of Boko Haram to life imprisonment for their roles in deadly attacks across Borno State between 2021 and 2024.
The judgment was delivered by James Omotosho after the defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government. A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) also presented evidence linking them to the crimes.
In addition to the life sentences, the court convicted 14 other defendants and handed them jail terms ranging from 20 to 25 years. One female defendant was later freed after completing her sentence.
Those given life imprisonment include Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (alias Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai. Some of them also received extra prison terms, which the court ruled would run at the same time.
The court found that Ali Abiso took part in multiple attacks in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga and nearby communities, and ruled that his guilty plea confirmed the charges against him.
Other convicted persons such as Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali and several others were also sentenced after admitting to terrorism-related offences.
The prosecution was led by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, supported by senior lawyers from the Federal Ministry of Justice. The case relied on confessional statements and investigation reports submitted in court.
In a separate decision, Musa Liman ordered the release of Amina Audu, who had been sentenced to one year imprisonment for aiding the group with logistics.
She told the court that insurgents had killed her husband and left her to care for eight children. Having already spent enough time in detention since April 2024, the court ruled that she be released immediately.
The rulings mark another major step in the ongoing prosecution of terrorism cases, with multiple convictions secured and sentences handed down in a single proceeding.