Federal High Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death for Terrorism Offences

ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Auwalu Samaila, a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, to death by hanging following his conviction on multiple terrorism-related charges.

Presiding Judge James Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday after Samaila pleaded guilty to a six-count charge brought forward by the Federal Government. The charges included membership in a proscribed terrorist organization, undergoing weapons training, and orchestrating lethal attacks across communities in Borno and Adamawa states between 2012 and 2017.

Judicial Findings and Sentencing

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho highlighted the convict’s lack of remorse given the severity of his crimes.

"The convict before me is not remorseful despite a lot of atrocities and lives that had gone from his hand," the judge noted. "It is when somebody is remorseful and seeks forgiveness with God that he can have mercy from him."

The court’s sentencing breakdown is as follows:

• Death by Hanging: Mandated for counts four, five, and six.

• 30 Years Imprisonment: For count three.

• 25 Years Imprisonment: For counts one and two.

Evidence of Attacks and Confessions

The prosecution, led by Jemila Ade, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, presented Samaila’s confessional statements as evidence. In these documents, Samaila admitted to transporting female suicide bombers to target locations, specifically mentioning Muna Garage in Maiduguri.

The convict also detailed his participation in raids on Mubi, Chibok, Damaturu, Michika, and Gulak. Evidence further linked him to attacks in Damboa, Gombi, and Hong, resulting in the deaths of both civilians and military personnel. Samaila, a native of Madagali LGA in Adamawa, reportedly lost his left leg during a skirmish with the military in Konduga.

Additional Convictions in Mass Trials

In separate proceedings, the court delivered sentences to several other insurgents involved in the ongoing trials.

These convictions are part of Phase 9 of the mass trial of suspected terrorists. Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, confirmed earlier this week that approximately 500 suspects are currently being prosecuted in Abuja as part of the government's intensified counter-terrorism efforts.