The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Hussaini Isma’il, a senior leader of the terrorist group Boko Haram, and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Tuesday, convicting Isma’il—popularly known as Maitangaran—on four counts brought by the Federal Government. While count one carries a 15-year term, counts two, three, and four each carry 20-year terms, bringing a total of 75 years. The judge, however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently from the date of his arrest.
“The convict shall serve his term at any correctional facility designated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service and shall be rehabilitated and deradicalised at an appropriate centre before reintegration into society,” Justice Nwite ruled.
Isma’il, 34, of Brithi village, Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, had initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty following overwhelming video evidence showing him directing attacks by Boko Haram members.
The trial, previously before retired Justice Anwuli Chikere, faced delays due to appeals and a trial-within-a-trial to verify the voluntariness of the defendant’s extra-judicial statements. Prosecution called five witnesses, including two DSS officials and two eyewitnesses to some of the attacks.
Defense counsel, P. B. Onijah of the Legal Aid Council, urged leniency, saying Isma’il was remorseful and wished to avoid wasting court time.
The charges included:
Count 1: Membership of Boko Haram (2018) – Section 16(1), Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Count 2: 2016 Kano Central Mosque attack – Section 1(2)(a)(e).
Count 3: 2014 attack on Mobile Police Base, Kabuga Road, Kano – Section 1(2)(a)(e).
Count 4: 2014 attack on Ungwa Uku Police Station, Kano – Section 1(2)(a)(e).
The amended charges were filed on October 3, 2023, by E. Aguda from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
