Nyanya Bombing: Court Sentences Convict to Death, Others Receive Jail Terms
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging for his involvement in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing that claimed over 70 lives and left several others injured.
Delivering judgment in a mass terrorism trial concluded this week, Justice James Omotosho found Garba guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy, participation in terrorism, and the use of explosives against civilians.
Court proceedings revealed that Garba and others still at large were involved in planning and executing the attack at Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja. The explosion remains one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the Federal Capital Territory.
The court handed down a combination of sentences across the five-count charge, including 35-year prison terms, life imprisonment, and two death sentences. The judge, in his remarks, said, “May God have mercy on you.”
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reiterated the government’s commitment to prosecuting terrorism cases and strengthening national security.
Other defendants also received varying sentences. Ali Mohammed was sentenced to 25 years and 15 years on separate counts, Isa Saleh received 20 years, while Tujan Mohammed was also handed a 20-year term. Salisu Bala was convicted on one count and sentenced to 20 years but discharged on other charges.
The trial, part of federal terrorism prosecutions, was relocated from Kainji, Niger State, to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Authorities say the convictions form part of ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators of past terrorist attacks accountable and reinforce Nigeria’s stance against terrorism.
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