A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Isa Isiaka, a man with two wives and 11 children, to 20 years imprisonment after he admitted concealing information about the activities of Boko Haram members from security authorities.
The judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako following the defendant’s guilty plea to terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
According to the prosecution, Isiaka knowingly failed to disclose information that could have assisted law enforcement agencies in tracking down and arresting members of the outlawed insurgent group.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the Federal Government by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who argued that the defendant’s actions amounted to aiding terrorism through the deliberate suppression of critical intelligence.
When the charge was read before the court, Isiaka immediately admitted responsibility, paving the way for a summary trial.
In a plea for leniency, the convict urged the court to temper justice with mercy, citing his status as a first-time offender. He also appealed to the court on the basis of his family responsibilities, explaining that he is married to two wives and has 11 children who depend on him.
However, Justice Nyako held that the gravity of the offence outweighed the mitigating factors presented by the defendant.
The court noted that withholding information capable of preventing terrorist activities poses a serious threat to public safety and national security.
Consequently, the judge imposed a 20-year prison sentence and ruled that the punishment would be served without the option of a fine.
The conviction highlights the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the fight against terrorism and enforce laws requiring citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could help prevent violent attacks and apprehend suspects.
The ruling also serves as a warning that individuals who knowingly shield terrorists or conceal intelligence relevant to national security could face severe legal consequences under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
