Terrorism: Court Sentences Four Boko Haram Convicts to Life Imprisonment

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced four men to life imprisonment for their involvement in Boko Haram activities across parts of Borno State between 2021 and 2024. The ruling followed a prolonged trial in which all four defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.

The convicts — Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai — were tried separately on multiple counts bordering on terrorism, participation in insurgent attacks, and support for a banned terrorist organisation, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to court records, Ali Abiso, a 30-year-old from Bama Local Government Area, was arraigned on a four-count charge. He was found to have participated in Boko Haram attacks in communities including Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari. After pleading guilty, the court held that his admission corroborated his earlier confessional statement.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, sentencing Abiso to life imprisonment on counts two and four, and 25 years each on counts one and three, with all sentences to run concurrently.

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In separate proceedings, Bakura Abah Kabiru — arraigned on a three-count charge — also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment on count two, alongside 25 years each on counts one and three.

Similarly, Ado (Luka Garba) received life imprisonment on count two and 25 years on count one, while Babagoni Masawai, who faced a seven-count charge, was handed life sentences on counts six and seven, 20 years each on counts one and two, and 10 years each on counts three, four, and five.

The court also convicted 14 other terrorism suspects, including Ali Mustapha, who was sentenced to 20 years on one count and 10 years each on six additional counts, with sentences running concurrently after pleas for leniency. Others — such as Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu, and Ali Musa — received varying prison terms based on their level of involvement.

The prosecutions are part of a broader effort led by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which is currently handling over 500 terrorism-related cases before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trials are being conducted under Nigeria’s strengthened legal framework aimed at tackling terrorism financing, recruitment, and participation in insurgent activities.

Legal experts say the convictions underscore the judiciary’s commitment to holding terrorism suspects accountable and reinforcing national security. Security analysts also note that such rulings send a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups operating in the North-East and other regions.

The Federal Government has continued to intensify efforts to prosecute terrorism suspects, dismantle insurgent networks, and restore stability, particularly in areas heavily affected by Boko Haram insurgency. Authorities have reiterated the importance of public cooperation and intelligence sharing in sustaining progress against terrorism.

Terrorism: Court Sentences Four Boko Haram Convicts to Life Imprisonment

Police Raid Church-Disguised Criminal Hideout, Arrest Seven Suspects

In a decisive intelligence-led operation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspects after raiding a criminal hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area. The early morning operation on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marks another breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb crime.

The operation, confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, followed credible intelligence indicating that criminals were hiding under the guise of a religious facility. Police operatives swooped on the premises at about 6:00 a.m., leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of several items linked to criminal activity.

During the raid, officers recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, one police crest, and other items used in criminal operations. The seizure underscores the serious nature of the criminal activities being carried out under the church disguise.

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The suspects taken into custody include Preacher Brain Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Okon, and another Esther Elijah Okon. Preliminary investigations revealed that the church facade was being used to mask unlawful activities, highlighting the misuse of religious institutions as a cover for crime.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the raid and intensified efforts to apprehend the principal suspect, who remains at large. The police warned that any attempt to disguise criminal activities under religious or other fronts will face severe legal consequences.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, continue providing timely and credible information, and support law enforcement in safeguarding lives and property across the state. The operation aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police to decisively combat crime and dismantle criminal networks.

This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in targeting criminals exploiting unsuspecting citizens and religious institutions, reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement efforts across Akwa Ibom State.

Police Raid Church-Disguised Criminal Hideout, Arrest Seven Suspects

Dismissed Soldier Soja Boi Dares Nigerian Army to Publish Payroll Over Pay, Welfare Claims

A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has challenged the Nigerian Army to release its payroll amid growing controversy over soldiers’ remuneration, allowances, and welfare. The former lance corporal made the call in a video posted on Tuesday, showing what he claims are bank transaction alerts reflecting his earnings while in service.

In the video, Olamilekan identified a payment of ₦112,061.59 as his monthly salary, alongside ₦20,000 described as a “grumbling allowance,” ₦45,000 operational allowance for deployment to active theatres like Maiduguri, and a ₦6,000 security allowance. He alleged that soldiers not on operations receive only their salary and the grumbling allowance, while operational allowances are conditional.

He also claimed that military personnel often pay out-of-pocket for helmets, boots, and protective jackets, stating: “Helmet, you go buy. Fragmentation jacket, you go buy them.” Olamilekan urged Nigerians to verify his claims with relatives serving in the Army, insisting his goal is not to discredit the institution but to present facts backed by evidence.

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However, the Nigerian Army has rejected Olamilekan’s claims as false and misleading. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, clarified that uniforms, kits, arms, and protective gear are supplied through official channels, and no soldier is deployed without adequate operational equipment. The Army said Olamilekan was dismissed for repeated indiscipline and violations of military social media policies, not for raising concerns about pay or welfare.

On remuneration, the Army emphasised that personnel receive structured monthly salaries and allowances, including operational, mission-specific, and uniform allowances paid directly into their accounts. Soldiers deployed to conflict zones such as Operation HADIN KAI receive additional benefits such as ration cash and habit allowances, alongside free feeding and protective gear.

The Army warned that spreading unverified information could undermine morale and national security, urging the public to rely only on official sources for military news. Despite the rebuttal, Olamilekan’s challenge has sparked debate online, with calls for greater transparency in military pay and welfare systems.

Dismissed Soldier Soja Boi Dares Nigerian Army to Publish Payroll Over Pay, Welfare Claims