A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced five members of Boko Haram to various prison terms, with one of the convicts receiving a 20-year sentence for terrorism-related offences.
The rulings were delivered on Tuesday as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trial of suspected terrorists, involving hundreds of defendants facing charges linked to insurgency activities.
One of the convicts, Yusuf Abacha, was handed a 20-year jail term after admitting to membership of the group, withholding information about its operations, and participating in attacks. The court ordered that his sentences run concurrently and directed that he undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation after serving his term.
In a separate judgment, another defendant, Shehu Bukar, was also sentenced to 20 years in prison for providing material support to the group. The court described the offence as serious, noting its impact on national security.
Other convicts, including Isa Ali and Auwal Bello, received 10-year prison sentences each for offences such as providing logistical support and handling funds linked to the insurgent group. Another defendant was similarly jailed for 10 years on related charges.
The court further directed that all convicted persons be enrolled in rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes upon completion of their sentences, in line with efforts to reintegrate former offenders into society.
Meanwhile, proceedings continue for other suspects, with one of the defendants remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the charges against him.
The ongoing trials form part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute individuals linked to insurgency and restore security in affected parts of the country.