Nigerian Court Hands Three Men Prison Terms for Boko Haram Links, Sentences Backdated to Arrest Dates

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced three men to prison on 15 June 2026 for offences linked to Boko Haram. Judge Binta Nyako delivered the rulings as part of ongoing mass terrorism trials that began that day. Ali Mustapha, a 55-year-old farmer from Borno State, received 15 years for concealing information about Boko Haram activities in his community.

Mustapha had been in custody since 2013 and pleaded guilty to the charge filed by the Attorney General of the Federation. Judge Nyako ordered that the term take effect from the year of his arrest. Isa Isiaka, described as a father of 11 children and husband of two wives, was sentenced to 20 years for failing to disclose information that could have aided the arrest of Boko Haram members.

He pleaded guilty after the charge was read and asked the court to temper justice with mercy, citing his family responsibilities and status as a first-time offender. Judge Nyako rejected the request and imposed the sentence without the option of a fine.

Umar Bashir, a Maiduguri businessman who described himself as a perfume oil dealer and point-of-sale operator, received 20 years for terrorism financing.

Bashir admitted using his bank account to facilitate a N5 million transaction involving a Boko Haram member, receiving the funds and transferring them onward for a N20,000 commission. Judge Nyako directed that his sentence begin in 2025, when he was arrested and detained.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, told journalists that about 490 suspects were being tried on 15 June, with 84 more scheduled for the following day.