Five terrorists put on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services have been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each for their complicity in attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
The convicted terrorists include Niger Republic nationals and their three Nigerian counterparts, who are based in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The convicts are Yusuf Mohammed (also known as Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (also known as Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (also known as Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim, and Musa Alhaji Adamu (also known as Gado Banufe).
Justice Binta Nyako ordered their imprisonment on Thursday when they were arraigned on a four-count terrorism charge, to which they pleaded guilty.
In counts one and two, which bordered on conspiracy and rendering services to Boko Haram members in Borgu LGA of Niger State, the judge slammed 25 years each on them.
In count three, in which they pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms, Justice Nyako sentenced them to seven years each.
Similarly, in count four, where they admitted concealing information about the activities of Boko Haram members in a forest in Borgu LGA of Niger State, the convicts bagged 25 years imprisonment each.
Aside from their imprisonment, Justice Nyako ordered that the Golf car they used to convey 15 AK-103 rifles from Niger Republic to Nigeria be forfeited to the Federal Government along with the firearms.
The charges against them bordered on rendering assistance to a terrorist by agreeing to convey rifles, being found with arms and ammunition while concealed, illegal possession and dealing with firearms, and concealment.
Following their admission of guilt, the prosecution counsel prayed that the defendants be convicted as charged and also sought the court’s permission to tender the forwarding letter containing the investigation report as well as the statements of the defendants. The defence counsel had no objection.
Fifteen units of AK-103 rifles complete with magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were also tendered with no objection from the defence counsel.
The court thereafter sentenced the five convicts, with Justice Nyako ordering that they should serve their jail terms in a place designated by the Minister of Interior.
