A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a member of Boko Haram, Auwalu Samaila, to death by hanging for his involvement in terrorism-related crimes across northeastern Nigeria.
The judgement was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who found the convict guilty after he pleaded to a six-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
In his ruling, the judge noted that Samaila showed no remorse despite the severity of his actions, which included participation in multiple deadly attacks between 2012 and 2017.
The court heard that Samaila was involved in attacks in parts of Borno State and Adamawa State, including Damboa, Gombi, and Hong, where both civilians and security personnel were killed.
According to evidence presented by the prosecution, led by Jemila Ade, the convict also admitted to transporting female suicide bombers to target locations, including an operation in Maiduguri.
Samaila further confessed to taking part in attacks in several towns, including Mubi, Chibok, Damaturu, Michika, and Gulak. He revealed that he lost his left leg during a clash with military forces in Konduga.
Based on the findings, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on three counts, while imposing additional prison terms of 25 and 30 years on other charges.
In related rulings, the court sentenced two other Boko Haram members to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism offences. Three additional suspects received prison sentences ranging from 20 to 21 years.
The offences were prosecuted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insurgency and ensure accountability for terrorism-related crimes in Nigeria.
