April 09, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday delivered a major boost to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, sentencing a member of Boko Haram, Auwalu Samaila, to death by hanging, while handing life imprisonment and long-term jail terms to five other convicted terrorists.
The landmark judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, followed Samaila’s guilty plea to a six-count charge of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho underscored the gravity of the crimes and the absence of remorse from the convict.
“It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness from God that he can have mercy.
“The convict before me is not remorseful despite a lot of atrocities and lives that have gone from his hand. May God have mercy on his soul,” the judge stated.
The charges, filed under the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013, revealed that Samaila, a native of Gulak Village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was an active member of the proscribed group between 2012 and 2017.
He admitted to undergoing terrorist training, including weapons handling with AK-47 rifles, and participating in coordinated attacks across several communities in the North-East.
Evidence presented before the court showed that Samaila took part in deadly operations in Damboa, Borno State, and in Gombi and Hong Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, where numerous civilians and security personnel were killed.
In a confessional statement tendered by the prosecution, led by Jemila Ade, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, the convict revealed his role in transporting female suicide bombers to designated targets.
He recounted conveying his first suicide bomber, identified as Halima, to Muna Garage in Maiduguri, and admitted involvement in attacks in Mubi, Chibok, Damaturu, Michika, Gulak, among others.
Samaila further disclosed that he lost his left leg during a confrontation with Nigerian troops in Konduga, following a fierce clash between insurgents and the military.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho sentenced Samaila to death by hanging on counts four, five, and six, which relate to direct participation in acts of terrorism resulting in loss of lives.
He also imposed 25-year prison sentences on counts one and two, and a 30-year jail term on count three.
In separate rulings, the court also convicted and sentenced two other members of Boko Haram (Shura Abdullahi and Abdulrahman Ari), to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences.
Additionally, three other defendants including Aisami Kadi, Umaru Usman, and Abdulrahman Hassan, received varying prison terms ranging from 20 to 21 years upon conviction on multiple counts.
The series of convictions marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, reinforcing the rule of law and sending a clear message that perpetrators of violent extremism will be held accountable.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
