The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced a Boko Haram member, Alkali Yarima, popularly known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his involvement in the 2015 attacks on Maiduguri, Borno State.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, imposing the death sentence on the convict for participating in acts of terrorism linked to the attacks.
The court also sentenced Yarima to life imprisonment on one count relating to receiving arms and weapons training in preparation for terrorist activities.
In addition, he was handed a 35-year jail term for belonging to the proscribed Boko Haram sect between 2009 and 2015, as well as a 30-year sentence on another count. He also received 10 years imprisonment each on three separate counts.
The Federal Government had arraigned Yarima on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism offences. The charge, marked FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026, was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
According to the prosecution, Yarima, a native of the Lawanti area in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, remained an active member of Boko Haram after accepting the teachings of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
The government further alleged that he travelled to an Arab country to undergo training in arms handling and later took part in terrorist attacks in Maiduguri.
The offences were prosecuted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2013.
Although terrorism trials are usually conducted in Kainji, Niger State, the proceedings in this case were held at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking after the judgment, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
He stated that the government would continue to deploy every available resource to eliminate terrorism and related crimes across the country.
