Four Boko Haram operatives have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading guilty to terrorism charges, Justice James Omotosho has ruled.
The judgement, delivered on Tuesday, followed confessions tendered by the accused and evidence provided by a Department of State Services (DSS) witness.
The convicts receiving life sentences are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (a.k.a Luka Garba) and Babagoni Masawai. An additional 14 suspects were sentenced to terms ranging from 20 to 25 years per count.
Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation, led the prosecution, supported by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Director of Public Prosecutions. The court admitted the defendants’ confessional statements and DSS investigation reports as evidence.
Abiso, charged as the sole defendant in case FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026, pleaded guilty to four counts. Justice Omotosho imposed life sentences for two counts and 25-year terms for the remaining counts, with concurrent sentencing for the shorter terms. The court confirmed that the prosecution had established guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Bakura Abah Kabiru and Ado received similar sentences, while Babagoni Masawai’s sentences included two life terms, two 20-year terms, and three 10-year terms.
The remaining 14 convicted militants include 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. Many of their sentences were ordered to run concurrently following pleas for mercy.
The ruling underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, particularly targeting Boko Haram operatives responsible for attacks across Borno and neighbouring states.
