A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two men, Abba Mustapha and Bukar Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for their membership of the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group and involvement in activities linked to the organisation.
The defendants, both from Borno State, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and convicted after pleading guilty to charges relating to membership of and providing support for the terrorist group, as well as concealing information about its activities.
Delivering judgment, Justice Salim Ibrahim sentenced the two men to life imprisonment on the first count and 20 years’ imprisonment on the second count. The sentences formed part of the Federal Government’s latest phase of mass trials involving suspected terrorists, which began on Thursday.
The proceedings are being conducted across several courtrooms, with multiple judges assigned to handle cases involving suspected members and supporters of terrorist organisations. Other judges participating in the exercise include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.
According to the report, no fewer than 34 suspects were listed for proceedings before Justice Ibrahim, while 25 others were listed before Justice Lifu. The scale of the proceedings reflects the number of cases being handled under the government’s continuing judicial process against suspected terrorists.
The mass trials are part of efforts to bring suspects accused of involvement in terrorism-related activities before the courts. Such proceedings allow the judiciary to consider charges against individuals suspected of belonging to or supporting prohibited groups, based on the evidence and legal processes applicable to each case.
Boko Haram has been involved in a prolonged insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, with Borno State among the areas most affected by its activities. The conflict has contributed to widespread insecurity, displacement and disruption of livelihoods across affected communities.
The sentences imposed on Mustapha and Ibrahim mark the outcome of their cases in the latest round of proceedings. Further cases involving other suspects are being handled by the judges assigned to the mass trials.
Deborah Adeyefa
