The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two men to life imprisonment and an additional 20 years each for supporting the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group and concealing information.
Justice Salim Ibrahim imposed the sentences on Thursday, October 15, after Abba Mustapha, from Bori village in Borno State, and 41-year-old Bukar Ibrahim, also from Borno State, pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
The judge handed each defendant a life sentence on the first count and 20 years’ imprisonment on the second count.
Their convictions came during the Federal Government’s latest round of mass trials involving suspected terrorists, which began on Thursday and is taking place across multiple courtrooms.
Other judges presiding over the proceedings include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.
At least 34 defendants were scheduled to appear before Justice Ibrahim, while 25 others were listed for trial before Justice Lifu.
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The Federal Government announced in July that it would resume the prosecution of individuals accused of terrorism and other serious crimes against the Nigerian state, describing the exercise as part of its commitment to justice and transparent legal processes.
The trials are being conducted by the Federal High Court, with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation working with other relevant agencies under the supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The government previously disclosed that more than 300 suspects were facing trial, with dedicated courts established to accelerate proceedings.
In April, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 386 terrorism suspects during a four-day mass trial, imposing sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment based on the offences involved.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said 508 defendants had been arraigned before 10 courts during that exercise.
He disclosed that eight defendants were discharged, while two others were acquitted of the charges against them.