By Editor
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four terrorists involved in Boko Haram attacks across Borno State to life imprisonment. The offences were committed between 2021 and 2024.
The trial judge, James Omotosho, delivered the judgment after the defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. Evidence was also presented by the Department of State Services (DSS), confirming their roles in the attacks.
Four of the convicts received life sentences, while 14 others were jailed for terms ranging between 20 and 25 years. One female defendant was released after serving her sentence.
Those sentenced to life imprisonment include Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai. The court also imposed additional jail terms on some of them, but ruled that parts of the sentences would run concurrently.
In one case, Ali Abiso was found guilty of participating in multiple attacks in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga and other parts of Borno State. The court held that his guilty plea supported the evidence presented against him.
Other convicts, including Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, and several others, were sentenced to various prison terms after admitting their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
The prosecution team was led by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside senior government lawyers. Their case relied on confessional statements and investigation reports submitted in court.
In a separate ruling, another judge, Musa Liman, ordered the release of Amina Audu after sentencing her to one year imprisonment for providing logistical support to the group.
The court heard that she had already spent enough time in custody since her arrest in April 2024. She also told the court she was a widow with eight children, after insurgents killed her husband.
Following the ruling, the court directed her immediate release, bringing the total number of convicted persons in the case to 18, with one discharged after serving her term.