The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted and sentenced three terrorists to death by hanging for offences linked to terrorism and violent crimes, following separate guilty pleas in an ongoing mass trial involving multiple suspects across different cases.
Key Highlights:
- Three terrorists sentenced to death by hanging in Abuja Federal High Court
- Defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges
- Kidnapping, ransom collection, and ISWAP support among offences
- Several additional suspects handed long prison terms, including life sentences
- Cases handled by Justices James Omotosho, Salim Ibrahim, and Emeka Nwite
The convictions were delivered across different court sessions involving multiple judges, with Justice James Omotosho and Justice Salim Ibrahim presiding over the death penalty rulings.
One of the convicts, Danladi Lawal, also known as Dankawu, was sentenced after pleading guilty to a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Justice Omotosho imposed mixed sentences, including 30 years imprisonment, 15 years, life imprisonment on two counts, and death by hanging on count four.
Lawal, aged 33, was found guilty of involvement in kidnapping and ransom-related activities in Katsina State in 2020, including the abduction of an elderly man and demands for ransom, actions which prosecutors said created fear and insecurity in the community.
In a separate ruling, Justice Salim Ibrahim sentenced Abdullahi Mohammed and Mohammed Gulama Shaibu to death by hanging after both pleaded guilty to terrorism charges. Shaibu also received a life sentence on another count.
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Another defendant, Mohammed Dezami Sherife, was sentenced to life imprisonment on multiple counts after admitting guilt to several terrorism-related charges brought against him in a 10-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho also sentenced Shamsudeen Muhammad Ibrahim, known as Abu Harira, to life imprisonment and an additional 35-year jail term. The court found that he provided support linked to ISWAP activities and failed to report information about terrorist operations.
In a related development, Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced Lawi Abubakar Mohammed to 40 years imprisonment, comprising two consecutive 20-year terms. The court further ordered that he undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation after completing his sentence before reintegration into society.
The series of judgments reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing prosecution of terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and earlier amendments.
