The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a man, Isa Isiaka, to 20 years imprisonment for failing to disclose information about the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram to relevant authorities.
Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako handed down the sentence on Monday after the defendant pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
According to the prosecution, Isiaka deliberately withheld information that could have aided security agencies in identifying and apprehending members of the proscribed terrorist organisation.
The convict admitted to the charge immediately it was read before the court, foregoing a full trial and accepting responsibility for the offence.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation argued that Isiaka’s failure to report the activities of Boko Haram members amounted to a serious breach of the law and undermined efforts to combat terrorism in the country.
In a plea for leniency, the defendant told the court that he was a first-time offender. He also appealed for mercy on the grounds that he is married to two wives and has 11 children who depend on him.
Justice Nyako, however, declined the plea, describing the offence as grave and deserving of substantial punishment.
The court subsequently sentenced Isiaka to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The judgment underscores the Federal Government’s continued enforcement of anti-terrorism laws and its efforts to hold individuals accountable for actions that aid or enable terrorist activities, including the concealment of information from security authorities.
