Court Sentences Terrorist to Death By Hanging for Killing Innocent Nigerians
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a Boko Haram member, Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his involvement in the 2015 terrorist attacks on Maiduguri, Borno State.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho found Yarima guilty on a seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed multiple prison terms for other terrorism-related offences. Yarima was sentenced to life imprisonment on count six for receiving arms and weapons training in preparation for terrorist activities. He was also handed a 35-year jail term on count one and a 30-year sentence on count five.
Justice Omotosho further sentenced the convict to 10 years’ imprisonment each on counts two, three and four.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government filed the seven-count charge, marked FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026, against Yarima. The charge, dated May 26, was filed on May 29 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
According to the prosecution, Yarima, identified by chest number 1636 and hailing from the Lawanti area of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, was an active member of the outlawed Boko Haram terrorist group between 2009 and 2015 until his arrest.
The prosecution also alleged that he accepted the extremist ideology, or Da’awah, of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf, an offence punishable under Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
On count six, the court found that Yarima had travelled to an Arab country to receive training in arms and weapon handling as preparation for terrorist operations. The offence is punishable under Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
The death sentence was imposed on count seven after the court found him guilty of participating in the 2015 Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri. The offence is contrary to Section 2(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
NAN reports that although terrorism trials involving Boko Haram suspects are typically conducted at the Kainji detention facility in Niger State, Yarima’s trial was transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking after the judgment, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led the Federal Government’s prosecution team, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism across the country.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” the Attorney-General said.
The conviction is one of the latest in the Federal Government’s ongoing prosecution of terrorism suspects as part of efforts to strengthen national security and bring perpetrators of violent extremism to justice.