Court Sentences Boko Haram Suppliers to Prison for Aiding Insurgency

The Federal Government on Tuesday, April 7, recommenced the prosecution of over 500 individuals apprehended nationwide for alleged involvement in terrorism.

Among those brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja was Shehu Bukar, a father of three, who received a 20-year prison sentence for providing goats to Boko Haram militants in Borno State.

Initially, the defendant entered a not guilty plea to four out of five charges presented by the federal government. However, the prosecution decided to withdraw those counts, proceeding with a single charge to which Bukar admitted guilt.

Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling, based her decision on the defendant's pre- trial statement, the investigation findings, and his own confession. The court did not grant his plea for leniency.

The judge emphasized that terrorism poses a significant and escalating threat across Nigeria, stating that assisting insurgents, even through means like supplying goats, is a grave offence.

In a separate proceeding, Hamza Yahuza, identified as a father of six, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for supplying Indian hemp and cigarettes to Boko Haram members in Borno State.

Yahuza confessed to committing the act in 2023 and sought forgiveness, but the court dismissed his defence that economic hardship compelled his actions. His sentence commenced retroactively from March 6, 2023, the date of his arrest.

Another individual, Hamatu Modu, received a 40-year sentence after admitting to supplying food and intelligence to terrorists. However, the court ordered that his sentences run concurrently, meaning his effective term will be 10 years.

Similarly, Isah Ali was convicted for supplying food to the insurgents and handed a 10-year prison term, with his sentence also backdated to his arrest. The court mandated that he undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programs post-sentence.

Justices Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, Akpan Ekerete, and Mobolaji Olajuwon presided over the various court sessions.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, along with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, were present to lead the prosecution team.

Lawyers from the National Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, headed by its Director General, Aliyu Abubakar, represented the defendants.