Sweet music
•We are happy that 386 of 500 terror suspects have been convicted The much awaited trial of detained terrorism suspects has begun in Abuja, with 500 suspects set to undergo
•We are happy that 386 of 500 terror suspects have been convicted
The much awaited trial of detained terrorism suspects has begun in Abuja, with 500 suspects set to undergo trial under phase 9 of the trial process. The suspects are members and collaborators of the Boko Haram, and other insurgents, apprehended by security agencies, and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), for some period.
Ten judges of the Federal High Court had to forgo their Easter holidays to sit in different court rooms in Abuja, to simultaneously hear the 227 defendants brought to court, last week, under very heavy security.
Of note, this trial is taking place, just as suspected Boko Haram members attacked a military brigade, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and killed a Brigadier-General.
We had called upon the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to initiate the trial of the suspects, to serve as a deterrent to those engaged in terrorism, but he delayed, until he left office.
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So, we commend AGF Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for the prosecution of the suspects, with some convictions already in the bag.
The delay was such that people began to insinuate that terror groups had members within the government circle.
In one of the trials, Justice M. O. Olajuwon sentenced Yusuf Tuggar Abacha, to 20 years imprisonment, after he pleaded guilty to membership of Boko Haram, withholding information about a member of the group, and participating in attacks. The judge struck out the charge on an agreement to receive AK-47 handling training, and held: “I hereby sentence him to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, and he is to be rehabilitated and de-radicalised after serving his term.”
Another judge, Binta Nyako, convicted and sentenced four defendants in separate trials.
In one of such cases, with suit no: FHC/KMJ/CR/583/2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to membership of Boko Haram, handling of funds linked to the group, and provision of material support. The judge held: “I hereby sentence the convict to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count charge, from the date of his arrest, to run concurrently. He is to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation.”
Another suspect, Isa Ali, was sentenced to 10 years for providing logistical support to Boko Haram, while the charge on membership was struck out, following his not-guilty plea, on that charge. Auwal Bello, received 10 years for facilitating terrorism financing.
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On his part, Shehu Bukar, was sentenced to 20 years for supplying cattle and goats to Boko Haram. The trial judge rejected pleas for leniency, as their actions were “so gruesome.” The convicts are to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation.
Four suspects, namely Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (aka Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai, who participated in Boko Haram activities in Borno State between 2021 and 2024, were sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho. They carried out their atrocities in Gwoza, Bama, Konduga, Bita, Baza and Aulari, and they were prosecuted under section 17 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022. Ali Mustapha bagged 20 years, on one count, and 10 years, on another.
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In all, the Federal Government has secured about 386 convictions. This was made possible by the suspects who did not waste the time of the court. Many of them admitted to the crimes and were sentenced accordingly.
The courts directed the Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facilities where the convicts will serve their terms.
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We hope the ministry will ensure enough fortification of the facilities and security personnel, where the convicts will be kept. It will be unacceptable to hear later that the convicted criminals have escaped, after a jail break.
Hopefully, the court-ordered de-radicalisation will help bring healing, but it must be under a secured environment.
While Nigerians remain grateful to our gallant armed forces, the pain caused by the insurgency which appears intractable, is so far-reaching.
We therefore urge governments at all levels, to give all the needed support to our soldiers, who must win the war.
