Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death for Maiduguri Attacks

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Boko Haram member Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, to death by hanging. This is for his role in the attacks on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in 2015.

Justice James Omotosho announced the verdict. He also gave Yarima a life sentence for receiving training on handling weapons to commit acts of terrorism.

The judge sentenced him to 35 years in prison for one count and 30 years for another count.

Additionally, the judge imposed a 10-year sentence for each of counts two, three, and four.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government charged Yarima with seven counts in case FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026.

Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions, filed these charges on May 29.

In the first count, which carries a 35-year jail term, Yarima, who is from Chest Number: 1636 of Lawanti Area in Mafa Local Government Area, claimed to be a member of Boko Haram. This group is banned in Nigeria. The charge states he was a Boko Haram member from 2009 to 2015, the year he was arrested.

He was accused of accepting “Da’awah from Mohammed Yusuf,” the founder of Boko Haram.

This offence falls under Section 16 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

For count six, which earned him a life sentence, he was accused of preparing to commit terrorist acts by traveling to an Arab country for arms training.

This offence is against Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

The federal government charged him in count seven with committing acts of terrorism during the Maiduguri attacks, which carries a death penalty.

This offence also falls under Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

NAN reports that the trial, usually held in Kainji, Niger, was moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation, led the prosecution team. He stated the government is committed to eradicating terrorism in Nigeria.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” he said.