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Five Boko Haram affiliates sentenced to 10–20 years imprisonment; rehabilitation and de-radicalisation ordered.
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FG begins ninth phase of mass trial with 227 suspects presented in Abuja; 500 slated overall.
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Trials open to public and monitored by Amnesty International, UNODC, NBA; security heightened around court.
The Federal High Court on Tuesday sentenced five individuals to jail terms ranging from 10 to 20 years for supporting Boko Haram. All convicts are to undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation, with the Ministry of Interior determining their correctional facilities.
Justice M. O. Olajuwon remanded Babagana Umar after he pleaded not guilty to charges including supplying spare parts and firewood to Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest and withholding critical information about the group. Umar’s trial was adjourned to the next sitting.
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In another ruling, Yusuf Tuggar Abacha was sentenced to 20 years for membership of Boko Haram, withholding information, and participation in attacks. A count relating to AK-47 training was struck out.
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Justice Binta Nyako also sentenced four defendants: one convict received 10 years on four counts for membership, support, and handling Boko Haram-linked funds; Isa Ali got 10 years for logistical support; Auwal Bello received 10 years for terrorism financing, including N750,000 and N20,000 transactions; and Shehu Bukar was sentenced to 20 years for supplying livestock.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi confirmed that the ninth phase of the mass trial involves 500 suspects, with 227 presented on the first day. He said trials were moved to Abuja for logistical convenience, allowing multiple courtrooms and simultaneous hearings.
Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliu Abubakar, stated that many suspects admitted charges, simplifying prosecutions. Some defendants were discharged and acquitted, underscoring the transparency of proceedings.
Security around the court was reinforced by Department of State Services (DSS)
