The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday convicted and sentenced five terrorism suspects to various prison terms, including a 20-year sentence, as the Federal Government commenced a new phase of mass trials involving about 500 defendants.
In proceedings before M. O. Olajuwon, the court remanded one of the suspects, Babagana Umar, in the custody of the Department of State Services after he pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges linked to Boko Haram.
Umar was accused of “knowingly rendering support by supplying spare parts to Boko Haram,” and providing firewood to the group in Sambisa Forest in 2022, in violation of provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He was also alleged to have had “information about the whereabouts and activities of Boko Haram, which would have led to apprehension and prosecution of these persons… but did not disclose to any law enforcement agency,” contrary to the law. His case was adjourned for further hearing.
In a separate matter before the same court, Yusuf Tuggar Abacha was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges including membership of Boko Haram, withholding information, and involvement in attacks.
“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,” Justice Olajuwon ruled.
Meanwhile, in related cases presided over by Binta Nyako, four other defendants were convicted on various terrorism charges.
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In one case, a defendant who admitted to Boko Haram membership, providing material support, and handling funds linked to the group was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on each of four counts, to run concurrently.
“I hereby sentence the convict to a term of 10 years imprisonment for each count charge from the date of his arrest to run concurrently… He is to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation,” Justice Nyako said.
Another defendant, Isa Ali, received a 10-year sentence for providing logistical support to the group, while Auwal Bello was handed a similar term for facilitating terrorism financing, including transactions involving about N750,000 and payments to the group.
In a separate ruling, Shehu Bukar was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for supplying livestock to Boko Haram, with the court describing the offence as particularly grave.
“I hereby sentence him to a term of 20 years imprisonment from the date of his arrest. He is also to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation,” she said.
All convicted persons were ordered to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes, with the Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facilities where they will serve their sentences.
The latest proceedings mark the ninth phase of the Federal Government’s terrorism trials, with 10 judges sitting during the Easter vacation to accelerate the process.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said 227 suspects were arraigned on the first day out of the 500 scheduled for trial.
“Don’t forget this is an Easter period. Ordinarily, the judges are not supposed to be here… but they have been so patriotic, and they have put their service to the nation.
“For phase nine, we have 500 in all, and it will last to either Friday or Saturday,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that the trials were moved to Abuja to address logistical challenges associated with conducting proceedings in Kainji and Maiduguri.
“Whether in Kainji or Maiduguri, the people to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court.
“For logistic problems, it is not convenient to go to Kainji… the availability of multiple courtrooms here makes it possible for several judges to sit simultaneously,” he said.
Fagbemi also emphasised that the trials were being conducted openly, with both local and international observers present.
“It is in the open. It’s not a secret trial. You will see where confessions are made, where proof is given. Everything is in the public glare,” he said.
Security was heightened around the court complex, with suspects transported under heavy guard by operatives of the DSS, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Army.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliu Abubakar, said many of the suspects admitted to the charges, which aided the proceedings.
“The thing with terrorism trials is that it is made easy a little… because the majority of the suspects admit to committing the crime. This has been our experience over the years, and today’s trial is not different,” he said.
He added, “A large number of them are also convicted for association with Boko Haram. Some of them are not active participants… but they are being convicted… association is as grievous as committing an offence.”
Abubakar also noted that some defendants were discharged.
“Happily, I can say that one or two of them have been discharged and acquitted… for somebody who has been in detention for four, five years… to be acquitted, it shows that the trial has some level of transparency,” he said.
He confirmed that pre-trial procedures were followed.
“Yes, we did. It is a prerequisite of the law… we had an opportunity to talk to them… before the main trial taking place today,” he said.
The trials are expected to continue on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.