Five terrorists on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja have been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each for their complicity in terror attacks in Niger and Kwara states. The convicts include two Nigeriens and three Nigerians based in Borgu Local Council of Niger State. They are Yusuf Mohammed (a.k.a. Bature), Goni Bindi (a.k.a. Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (a.k.a. Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Gado Banufe).
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Justice Binta Nyako ordered their imprisonment yesterday when they were arraigned on four terrorism charges and pleaded guilty. In counts one and two, which bordered on conspiracy and rendering services to Boko Haram members in Niger, the judge slammed 25 years each on the five accused persons. In count three, four of them pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms and received seven years each. In count four, Bature, who admitted concealing information on Boko Haram activities in a forest in Niger, was jailed 25 years. Additionally, Justice Nyako ordered that the Golf car used to convey 15 AK-103 rifles from Niger Republic to Nigeria be forfeited to the Federal Government along with the firearms.
PFN Rejects Amnesty for Terrorists
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) rejected the planned amnesty for ‘repentant’ terrorists. National President Dr. Wale Oke, during a visit to Calabar, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against killings and kidnappings. He insisted that “there’s nothing like repentant terrorists” and that “justice must be served before any talk of repentance.” He called for the abolition of the term “repentant terrorists,” stating that violent criminals must face full legal consequences.
Afenifere Warns of Instability
Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere condemned the spate of insecurity in the country, warning that unless urgent measures are taken, Nigeria might face serious social, political and security consequences. In a communiqué issued by its U.S. wing, Afenifere Diaspora USA, the group noted that Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder.” It urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to restore public confidence, secure lives and property, revive the economy, and strengthen democratic institutions.
