A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Zakaria Garba, 37, to death by hanging for his involvement in the 2014 Nyanya motor park bombing, which killed at least 70 people and injured many others. The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotsoho during the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja.
Conviction and sentencing details
Garba pleaded guilty to all five counts filed against him by the federal government. On counts one and two, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison each. On count three, he received a life sentence. The death penalty was imposed on counts four and five. The judge remarked, “May God have mercy on you,” after pronouncing the death sentence.
Background of the Nyanya bombing
The attack occurred in 2014 at the Nyanya Motor Park, a busy transport hub on the border between Abuja and Nasarawa State. The prosecution alleged that Garba, a native of Jambutu Park in Jimeta Local Government Area of Adamawa, conspired with others still at large to plan and execute the bombing using explosive devices. The offense under count three violated Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
Count four accused Garba of knowingly and intentionally causing the detonation of explosives with intent to cause death and serious harm, resulting in over 70 deaths and numerous injuries, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. Count five similarly charged him with participating in a terrorist act that caused mass casualties.
Other terrorists sentenced
Justice Omotsoho also sentenced other individuals who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism charges. Ali Mohammed received 25 years on count one and 15 years on count two. Isa Saleh and Tujan Mohammed each got 20-year prison terms on single counts. Salisu Bala was sentenced to 20 years on count two but acquitted on counts one and three.
Mass trial context
The trial took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, unlike previous editions held at a military base in Kainji, Niger State. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, led the prosecution and stated the government's determination to combat terrorism, saying, “We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody.”
