JUST IN: Court Sentences Boko Haram Terrorist to Death Over 2015 Maiduguri Attack

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a Boko Haram terrorist, Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his role in the 2015 attacks on Maiduguri.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho found Yarima guilty on a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

In addition to the death sentence imposed on count seven for participating in the Maiduguri attacks, the court sentenced the convict to life imprisonment on count six for receiving arms and weapons training in preparation for acts of terrorism.

Justice Omotosho also sentenced Yarima to 35 years’ imprisonment on count one for belonging to the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group, 30 years on count five, and 10 years each on counts two, three and four.

The Federal Government had, in the charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026, accused Yarima, a native of Lawanti in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, of offences committed between 2009 and 2015.

According to the prosecution, Yarima professed membership of Boko Haram, accepted the group’s ideology from its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, and remained a member of the outlawed organisation until his arrest.

The government also accused him of travelling to an Arab country to receive training in arms and weapon handling in preparation for terrorist activities.

He was further convicted for participating in Boko Haram’s attacks on Maiduguri in 2015, an offence punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

The trial, which is usually conducted at Kainji in Niger State, was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led the prosecution team, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling terrorism.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” he said.