By: CHRISTY ZI
Three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment over their roles in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Thursday after holding that the prosecution had proved its case against the defendants.
The judge ruled that the offences committed by the convicts were grave enough to attract life imprisonment under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
“The offences committed by the defendants are serious crimes against the State and innocent citizens. This court has a duty to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served.
“The sentence imposed is meant to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities,” Justice Ibrahim said.
The convicts are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.
They were found guilty on charges bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information and related offences.
The prosecution told the court that the three men collaborated with members of a terrorist network responsible for the school abduction and knowingly concealed information about the operation instead of alerting security agencies.
During the trial, the defendants pleaded guilty to charges relating to concealing information about the abduction, while the first defendant also admitted offences involving terrorist training, transmitting operational instructions and encouraging the activities of a terrorist group.
Although defence counsel appealed for leniency on the grounds that the convicts had pleaded guilty, expressed remorse and were first-time offenders, the prosecution urged the court to impose the maximum punishment provided by law.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ibrahim stressed that those who aid or shield terrorists must be held accountable.
“The fight against terrorism requires the commitment of every citizen.
“Those who choose to aid or shield terrorists must bear the consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” he said.
The court ordered that the life sentences take effect from the date of the convicts’ arrest.(The Nigeria Standard )
