Court Sentences Four Terrorists to Life, Jails 14

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four Boko Haram operatives to life imprisonment, while 14 others were handed jail terms ranging from 20 to 25 years on Tuesday.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after the defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.

The court admitted evidence from a Department of State Services (DSS) witness, including confessional statements and investigation reports.

The four sentenced to life imprisonment are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai.

Ali Abiso, the sole defendant in one of the cases (FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026), pleaded guilty to four counts.

Justice Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on two counts and 25 years each on the remaining two, with the latter running concurrently.

Abiso, 30, is from Bama Local Government Area of Borno and was accused of participating in Boko Haram attacks across Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari.

“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 charged.

“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,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

Similarly, Bakura Abah Kabiru received life imprisonment for one count and 25 years each for two others, while Ado (Luka Garba) was sentenced to life on one count and 25 years on another.

Babagoni Masawai was sentenced to life imprisonment on two counts, 20 years on two others, and 10 years on three additional counts.

Justice Omotosho also handed down various jail terms to 14 other convicts, including Ali Mustapha, 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.

Sentences ranged from 10 to 25 years, with some terms ordered to run concurrently after pleas for mercy.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the Federal Government’s legal team, assisted by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions.