A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a Boko Haram member, Alkali Yarima, also known as La'ari, to death by hanging for his role in the 2015 terrorist attacks on Maiduguri. Delivering judgement on Friday, Justice James Omotosho found Yarima guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government. In addition to the death sentence imposed on count seven for participating in the Maiduguri attacks, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment on count six for undergoing arms and weapons training in preparation for terrorist activities.
The judge also handed Yarima a 35-year prison term on count one for belonging to the outlawed Boko Haram group, a 30-year sentence on count five, and 10 years' imprisonment on each of counts two, three, and four.
The Federal Government had arraigned the convict on a seven-count charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026. The charge, dated May 26 and filed on May 29, was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
According to the prosecution, Yarima, also known as La'ari, with chest number 1636 from the Lawanti area of Mafa Local Government Area in Borno State, remained a member of Boko Haram between 2009 and his arrest in 2015 after accepting the group's ideology through its founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
The offence, under count one, is punishable under Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
On count six, the prosecution accused Yarima of engaging in preparations for terrorism by travelling to "an Arab country for training on arms and weapon handling", contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
The court also convicted him on count seven for participating in the attacks on Maiduguri, an offence punishable under Section 2(1) of the same Act.
Although terrorism trials are typically conducted at the Federal High Court in Kainji, Niger State, the proceedings in this case were transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking after the judgement, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led the prosecution team, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to combating terrorism.
He said, "We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody."