- Binta Nyako said the offence posed a serious threat to national security
- He pleaded guilty to the terrorism-related charge in court
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a man, Isa Isiaka, to 20 years in prison for withholding information relating to the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram.
Eko Hot Blog gathered Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako handed down the sentence on Monday after the defendant pleaded guilty to charges brought against him by the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
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According to the prosecution, Isiaka failed to disclose information that could have assisted security agencies in identifying and apprehending members of the outlawed group.
When the charge was read before the court, the defendant admitted to the offence, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented the Federal Government in the matter and argued that the convict deliberately concealed intelligence that could have aided efforts to track and arrest suspected Boko Haram members.
The prosecution maintained that such conduct constituted a violation of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
Following his guilty plea, Isiaka appealed to the court for leniency. He informed the court that he was a first-time offender and the breadwinner of a large family, comprising two wives and 11 children.
He urged the court to temper justice with mercy and consider the impact of a lengthy prison term on his dependants.
However, Justice Nyako declined the request, holding that the gravity of the offence outweighed the mitigating factors presented by the convict.
In her ruling, the judge sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The court held that withholding information capable of assisting security agencies in combating terrorism poses a serious threat to national security and should attract significant punishment.
Justice Nyako further noted that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to individuals who shield criminal elements or refuse to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in matters relating to terrorism and public safety.
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