The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and insecurity across Nigeria, commencing a new phase of terrorism trials involving more than 600 suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Convictions and Sentences
In related proceedings, a doctor treating terrorists was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while a Boko Haram informant received a 15-year sentence. A Maiduguri-based businessman, Umar Bashir, was also sentenced to 20 years without the option of a fine for financing terrorism in Borno State.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Isa Isiaka, a father of 11 with two wives, to 20 years for deliberately failing to provide information on Boko Haram activities to the government.
Government's Stance
Speaking after the arraignment, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the government's resolve. “The message is clear, direct and straightforward. The present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism lightly. That is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.
Fagbemi noted that this is the fourth phase of terrorism prosecutions under President Bola Tinubu's administration, stressing that terrorism in any form will not be tolerated. “Let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated. We will fight with everything we have to make Nigeria a haven for everybody,” he added.
Details of the Arraignment
Approximately 490 suspects were arraigned on the first day, with an additional 84 suspects expected to appear the following day. This figure excludes 102 cases carried over from the previous phase.
Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced Bello Liman, also known as Alhaji Bello Doctor, to 30 years on two counts. Liman, who served as a doctor to terrorist leader Usman Kachalla, was convicted for concealing information in 2020 in Zamfara State. He received 10 years on count one and 20 years on count two, with sentences running concurrently from his arrest on March 20, 2020. The court ordered that he undergo deradicalization and rehabilitation after his prison term.
Justice Binta Nyako also convicted and sentenced Ali Mustapha, a 55-year-old farmer from Borno State, to 15 years for concealing information on Boko Haram activities. Mustapha had been in custody since 2013 and pleaded guilty.
Financing Terrorism
Umar Bashir, who claimed to be a major dealer in perfume oil and a Point of Sales operator, was found guilty of using his UBA account to facilitate money transfers for Boko Haram members. He admitted receiving N5 million from Boko Haram member Ibrahim Modu and transferring it to the terrorist's Access Bank account. Bashir confessed to committing the offense at the Maiduguri Money Market in 2025 and earning a commission of N20,000. Justice Nyako sentenced him to 20 years without the option of a fine, rejecting his plea for leniency.
Isa Isiaka, the father of 11, was jailed after admitting guilt to charges of concealing information that could have led to the arrest of Boko Haram members. He pleaded for leniency as a first offender and for the sake of his children and wives, but Justice Nyako rejected his plea and sentenced him to 20 years without the option of a fine.
