Court sentences Boko Haram member to death by hanging for terrorist attacks across northern Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Auwalu Samaila, a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, to death by hanging for his involvement in multiple terror attacks across northern Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday after Samaila pleaded guilty to six terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho noted the lack of remorse shown by the convict despite the grave nature of his crimes. He stated: “It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness from God that they can expect mercy from Him. The convict before me is not remorseful despite the atrocities and lives that have been lost at his hands. May God have mercy on his soul.”

Samaila, a native of Gulak village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was charged with terrorism offences under the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013. The charges included membership of the Boko Haram group, participation in terrorist training and involvement in several deadly attacks between 2012 and 2017.

The first charge (count one) accused Samaila of being a member of the proscribed group and participating in Boko Haram activities in Sabongari Kyambula village, Gulak. In counts two and three, Samaila was alleged to have undergone terrorist training, including weapon handling and bomb-making techniques, in preparation for acts of terror under the leadership of a commander named Yabana at the Izza Boko Haram camp.

Samaila’s role in the attacks was further detailed in counts four, five and six, which involved his participation in terror strikes in Borno, Adamawa and other locations, where both civilians and military personnel were killed.

The prosecution presented evidence that Samaila actively engaged in deadly attacks in Damboa, Gombi and Hong, among other towns.

In his confessional statement, Samaila admitted to playing a key role in conveying female suicide bombers to their target locations.

He revealed that the first suicide bomber he transported was named Halima and that he took her to Muna Garage in Maiduguri.

The convict also claimed to have participated in several other attacks, including those in Mubi, Chibok and Michika.

He further explained that he was injured during the Konduga operation, which led to the amputation of his left leg.

After considering the evidence, Justice Omotosho sentenced Samaila to death by hanging on counts four, five and six. Additionally, he was given a 25-year sentence for counts one and two, while he received a 30-year sentence for count three.

In related proceedings, two other Boko Haram members, Shura Abdullahi and Abdulrahman Ari, were also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in terrorism-related activities.

Three other defendants — Aisami Kadi, Umaru Usman and Abdulrahman Hassan — received varying sentences ranging from 20 to 21 years for their involvement in the terror activities.

The convictions serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to bring justice to victims of Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations that have plagued the country in recent years.