By George Omagbemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Abubakar Goni, a self-confessed member of the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group, to 30 years’ imprisonment following his admission that he knowingly joined the organisation more than 15 years ago.
Justice Binta Nyako delivered the sentence on Friday after Goni admitted to membership of the terrorist group but denied other allegations contained in the Federal Government’s five-count charge against him.
Goni, who hails from Daira village in Gubi Local Government Area of Yobe State, was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2016 and remained in detention pending the conclusion of his case.
The prosecution accused him of belonging to Boko Haram, receiving training in the use of AK-47 rifles, participating in attacks against civilians, and looting food supplies to sustain members of the group. He was also accused of involvement in attacks on communities in neighbouring Niger Republic.
However, when the charges were read to him, Goni admitted belonging to Boko Haram but denied the other allegations. The available reports do not establish that he admitted to the separate allegations of weapons training, attacks on civilians, looting or cross-border violence.
During the sentencing proceedings, his lawyer, Dauda Hassan, appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy and impose a reduced sentence. The defence cited Goni’s admission of membership and argued that he had not wasted the court’s time by contesting that particular charge.
Justice Nyako sentenced him under Section 16(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2013, as reported by the media.
The judge ordered that the 30-year sentence should run from 2016, when Goni was arrested and detained by the DSS. This means the period already spent in detention will count towards the sentence.
The court also directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facility where Goni will serve his prison term.
The judgment comes amid renewed federal efforts to prosecute terrorism-related cases through proceedings at the Federal High Court and other designated courts.
Boko Haram’s insurgency has caused widespread deaths, displacement and destruction across northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries over the past decade.
Leave a Reply