Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death Over 2015 Maiduguri Terror Attacks

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a convicted Boko Haram terrorist, Alkali Yarima, popularly known as La’ari, to death by hanging for his involvement in the 2015 terrorist attacks on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Friday after finding Yarima guilty on all seven counts contained in a terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government.

The court imposed the death penalty on count seven, which relates to his participation in the deadly attacks on Maiduguri. On count six, Yarima was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of receiving arms and weapons training for terrorist operations.

Justice Omotosho also handed the convict additional prison terms, sentencing him to 35 years’ imprisonment on count one for belonging to the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist organisation. He received 30 years on count five and 10 years each on counts two, three and four.

The charges, filed under suit number FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026, alleged that the offences were committed between 2009 and 2015.

According to the prosecution, Yarima, a native of Lawanti in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, openly admitted to being a member of Boko Haram after embracing the extremist ideology propagated by the group’s late founder, Mohammed Yusuf.

The prosecution further told the court that the convict travelled to an Arab country, where he underwent training in the handling of firearms and other weapons as part of preparations for terrorist activities.

Evidence presented before the court also established that Yarima actively participated in Boko Haram’s attacks on Maiduguri in 2015, an offence punishable under the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Although terrorism trials involving Boko Haram suspects are typically conducted at the designated court in Kainji, Niger State, the proceedings in this case were heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Reacting to the judgment, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led the prosecution team, described the verdict as a demonstration of the government’s resolve to combat terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.

Fagbemi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that authorities would continue to pursue terrorists and their collaborators through lawful means.

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