A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb attack that claimed more than 70 lives and left several others injured.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment during the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects, convicting Garba after he pleaded guilty to a five-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed a life imprisonment term on the convict on one count and 35-year prison sentences on two other counts.
According to court records, Garba and other suspects still at large were found guilty of conspiring to carry out the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja through the use of explosive devices, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
The court also held that the convict knowingly participated in acts of terrorism, including the detonation of explosives with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm to members of the public.
The charges were filed under provisions of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
During sentencing, Justice Omotosho handed down the death penalty on two counts relating to the execution of the bombing, while imposing life imprisonment on the count of conspiracy to commit terrorism.
The judge concluded the proceedings by telling the convict, “May God have mercy on you.”
The court also sentenced several other defendants who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism-related offences. Ali Mohammed received prison terms of 25 years and 15 years on two counts, while Isa Saleh and Tujan Mohammed were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Another defendant, Salisu Bala, was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on one count but was discharged and acquitted on two other counts.
The trial, which is usually conducted in Kainji, Niger State, was moved to Abuja for the proceedings.
Speaking after the judgment, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.