Five terrorists bag 25-year jail terms, forfeit vehicle, 15 rifles to FG
Five Terrorists Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Court
ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced five individuals, identified as terrorists, to 25 years in prison each for their roles in attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
The convicted individuals, consisting of nationals from the Niger Republic and Nigerian citizens from Borgu Local Government Area, include Yusuf Mohammed (alias Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (alias Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (alias Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim, and Musa Alhaji Adamu (alias Gado Banufe).
During a hearing on Thursday, Justice Binta Nyako ordered the sentences after the defendants pleaded guilty to multiple terrorism charges.
The court imposed 25-year sentences on the first two counts—conspiracy and providing assistance to members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borgu Local Government Area. Additionally, they received seven-year sentences on a third count for unlawful possession of firearms. In the fourth count, related to concealing information about Boko Haram activities, each was again sentenced to 25 years.
In a separate ruling, Justice Nyako ordered the forfeiture of a Golf car used to transport 15 AK-103 rifles from Niger Republic to Nigeria, along with the firearms themselves.
The charges against the defendants included assistance to a terrorist organization, possession of illegal arms, and failure to disclose critical information to law enforcement.
The prosecution successfully presented evidence, including the investigation report and statements from the defendants, which were admitted into the court record without objection from the defense.
The court also facilitated the admission of physical evidence, including the firearms and ammunition, all of which were accepted for the case documentation.
Justice Nyako directed that the convicted individuals serve their sentences in a facility designated by the Minister of Interior.
The statement regarding the convictions outlined the nature of the offenses, emphasizing the defendants’ roles in the transportation of firearms intended for terrorist activities.
