…Ex-senatorial candidate jailed 10 years for supplying fuel to Boko Haram
The Federal Government on Friday announced the conviction of 386 terrorism suspects following the conclusion of the ninth phase of the mass trial of alleged Boko Haram members, while proceedings involving 112 other defendants were adjourned to June.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the session, noting that a total of 503 terrorism-related suspects were arraigned before 10 judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to him, the outcomes of the latest phase included 386 convictions, eight discharges, and two acquittals, while the remaining 112 cases were adjourned to June 15–18 for continuation of trial.
Fagbemi said the mix of convictions, acquittals, and discharges demonstrated that due process was strictly followed throughout the proceedings.
He added that the trials, conducted within four days, reflected the efficiency of the special court arrangements established for terrorism cases, and were held publicly with stakeholders monitoring the process.
The Justice Minister said the convictions were meant to send a strong message against terrorism and its financing in Nigeria, stressing that the country would not tolerate individuals involved in such acts.
He also commended the judges, particularly Justice Binta Nyako and others handling the cases, for their commitment despite the trials taking place during their vacation period.
Fagbemi further explained that convicted persons would undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes as part of post-sentencing measures aimed at reintegration and behavioural reform.
Most of the defendants were represented by lawyers from the National Legal Aid Council of Nigeria during the proceedings.
Meanwhile, in one of the high-profile cases decided on Friday, a former Borno State senatorial candidate, Babagana Habeeb, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling petroleum products to members of Boko Haram.
Habeeb, who contested the 2015 elections, was convicted on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the convict, a fuel dealer in Maiduguri, admitted that insurgents had accessed fuel from his station but claimed his employees carried out the transactions without his direct involvement.
During sentencing, Habeeb pleaded for mercy, telling the court he had spent over 10 years in detention without access to his family and depended on two wives and six children.
However, prosecution counsel David Kaswe opposed leniency, arguing that the fuel supplies enabled Boko Haram operatives to carry out attacks that resulted in deaths and destruction across affected communities.
While noting that Habeeb was not proven to be a Boko Haram member or weapons supplier, Justice Lifu held that his actions facilitated terrorist operations.
The judge also acknowledged the defendant’s prolonged pre-trial detention and ordered that the 10-year sentence take effect from the date of his arrest.
He further directed that the convict be processed for rehabilitation and deradicalisation in line with the court’s consequential orders.
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