Federal High Court Sentences Five Individuals for Terrorism
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced five individuals to 25 years in prison each for their involvement in the November 21, 2025 attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church in Papiri, Niger State. Judge Binta Nyako delivered the sentence after all five defendants pleaded guilty to four terrorism-related charges presented by the prosecution. The convicted individuals, Yusuf Mohammed (alias Batule), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (alias Goni Mtwa), Sani Tukur (alias Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim, and Musa Alhaji Adamu (alias Gad Banufe), were apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at various locations on May 31, 2026.
Charges Related to Terrorism and Firearms Violations
The charges against the defendants were rooted in their involvement in facilitating terrorist acts, a violation of Section 16 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, as well as offenses under the Firearms Act. The trial concluded rapidly after the defendants entered their guilty pleas, marking what is considered one of the quickest terrorism prosecutions in Nigerian history. During the proceedings, the prosecution showcased substantial evidence, including weapons and ammunition seized during the arrests.
Significant Weapons Seizure Linked to Arrests
The DSS operation resulted in the recovery of 15 AK-47 rifles and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition, which were concealed in bags inside a Volkswagen Golf. Following the trial, Judge Nyako ordered the confiscation of the vehicle for the federal government. The attack for which the defendants were sentenced transpired during the early hours of November 21, 2025, when armed assailants on motorcycles assaulted a Catholic primary and secondary boarding school in Papiri, Niger State.
Details of the November 2025 Attack
The attackers captured numerous students and teachers at gunpoint, forcibly transporting over 250 students into the Kainji Lake Reserve. In the midst of the chaos, around 50 children managed to escape. The severity of the incident not only highlights ongoing security challenges in the region but also underscores the urgent need for robust counterterrorism measures.
Specifics of the Convictions
The first count against the defendants involved their agreement to transport 15 AK-103 rifles and approximately 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the Diffa region of the Republic of Niger in support of a Boko Haram member named Mallam Ahmad. All five individuals committed offenses according to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. The second count was similar, with the prosecution asserting that the group conspired to facilitate terrorism through transportation of these dangerous weapons.
Evidence Presented During the Trial
In another charge, the court found that specific individuals among the defendants actively carried the firearms and ammunition concealed within bags of dried fish in a Volkswagen with Niger Republic registration. This action was deemed a violation of multiple provisions within the Firearms Act. The final count accused Yusuf Mohammed of failing to report critical information about Mallam Ahmad, which could have aided law enforcement in apprehending him.
Ongoing Implications for National Security
The swift prosecution and sentencing of these five individuals highlight the government’s commitment to combatting terrorism and enhancing security across Nigeria. However, the scale and frequency of such violent attacks underscore a pressing need for further measures to protect civilians and strengthen the capacity of security forces. The court’s actions serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime and terrorism in the region.
