A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced four members of Boko Haram to life imprisonment, while convicting 14 others to varying jail terms for terrorism-related offences.
Justice James Omotosho, the trial judge delivered the judgment after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges brought against them by the federal government, supported by evidence from a witness of the State Security Service (SSS).
Those handed life sentences include Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai.
The court also imposed additional prison terms on them across multiple counts.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that: “The plea of guilty made by the defendant corroborates his confessional statement and the court is of the irresistible view that the defendant is guilty as charged of the four counts charge.”
“In final analysis, this court is satisfied that the prosecution has established the charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted as charged,” he added.
Abiso, a 30-year-old from Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, was found guilty of participating in Boko Haram attacks across several communities, including Bama, Gwoza and Konduga.
He received life imprisonment on two counts and 25 years each on two others, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Also, Kabiru was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside additional 25-year terms, while Ado and Masawai received life sentences on selected counts, with further prison terms ranging between 10 and 25 years.
The court also convicted 14 other defendants, including Ali Mustapha, who was sentenced to a combined 80 years in prison across multiple counts, though the terms are to run concurrently following pleas for leniency.
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 prosecution, led by Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, tendered confessional statements and investigation reports as evidence, which were admitted by the court.
The convictions form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja, aimed at addressing longstanding cases linked to insurgency in the North-East.
