Court Delivers Death Sentence for Boko Haram Member
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced Boko Haram member Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his involvement in the attacks on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in 2015. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, marking a significant legal action against terrorism in Nigeria.
Multiple Sentences Handed Down
In addition to the death penalty, Justice Omotosho sentenced Yarima to life imprisonment on count six for receiving training on arms and weapon handling in preparation to commit acts of terrorism. The judge also imposed a 35-year prison term on count one, a 30-year sentence on count five, and 10-year imprisonment on each of counts two, three, and four.
Details of the Charges
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government preferred seven charges against the convict in case number FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026. Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, filed the charges on May 29. Count one, which attracted a 35-year jail term, accused Yarima, with Chest Number 1636 from Lawanti Area of Mafa Local Government Area in Borno, of professing membership in and continuing to belong to the Boko Haram group, a proscribed terrorist organization in Nigeria. The charge stated he professed to be a Boko Haram member between 2009 and 2015, when he was arrested, and that he accepted “Da’awah from Mohammed Yusuf (founder of Boko Haram).” This offence is punishable under Section 16 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
Life Sentence for Terrorism Preparation
Count six, for which Yarima received a life sentence, alleged that he “engaged in conduct in preparation to commit terrorist acts when he travelled to an Arab country for training on arms and weapon handling.” This offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
Death Penalty for Participating in Attacks
Count seven, which attracted the death penalty, accused Yarima of committing acts of terrorism by participating in the attacks on Maiduguri. This offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
Trial Moved to Abuja
NAN reports that the trial, which usually takes place at Kainji in Niger, was moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who led the federal government’s prosecution team, stated the government’s determination to stamp out terrorism and its related activities from the country. “We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” the minister said.
