A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a Boko Haram member, Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his role in the 2015 terrorist attacks on Maiduguri.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho found Yarima guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges and imposed a raft of penalties, including a death sentence, life imprisonment and additional jail terms.
The court sentenced the convict to death by hanging on count seven for participating in the Maiduguri attacks.
Justice Omotosho also handed Yarima life imprisonment on count six for travelling to an Arab country to receive training in arms handling and other preparations for terrorist activities.
The court further sentenced him to 35 years in prison on count one for belonging to the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group between 2009 and 2015, and for accepting the extremist teachings of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
He was also jailed for 30 years on count five and 10 years each on counts two, three and four.
The Federal Government had arraigned Yarima on a seven-count terrorism charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026. The charge, dated May 26 and filed on May 29 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accused him of terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
According to the prosecution, Yarima, identified as Chest Number 1636 from Lawanti Area of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, remained a member of Boko Haram from 2009 until his arrest.
He was also accused of receiving weapons training abroad in preparation for terrorist operations and participating in the deadly Boko Haram assault on Maiduguri in 2015.
Although terrorism trials are usually conducted at the Kainji court in Niger State, the case was heard at 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 resolve to eradicate terrorism.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” the minister said.
Source: NAN
