Boko Haram Terrorist Sentenced to Death by Hanging Over 2015 Maiduguri Attacks

A member of the terrorist group Boko Haram, identified as Alkali Yarima, popularly known as La’ari, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Federal High Court in Abuja for his role in the 2015 terrorist attacks on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Delivering judgment on Friday June 26, Global Mirror News gathered that Justice James Omotosho found Yarima guilty of participating in acts of terrorism and imposed multiple prison terms in addition to the death sentence. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment on one count relating to receiving arms and weapons training in preparation for terrorist activities.

The convict also received 35 years’ imprisonment for professing membership of Boko Haram, a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria, and 30 years’ imprisonment on another terrorism-related count. Justice Omotosho further sentenced him to 10 years in prison on each of three additional counts.

The seven-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/97/2026, was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, on behalf of the Federal Government on May 29, 2026.

According to the prosecution, Yarima, whose address was listed as Lawanti Area in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, remained an active member of Boko Haram between 2009 and 2015 before his arrest. He was also accused of accepting the extremist teachings (Da’awah) of the late Mohammed Yusuf, founder of the terrorist group.

Global Mirror News learnt that the court held that the offences violated provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

On the count that attracted life imprisonment, the prosecution established that Yarima travelled to an Arab country where he received specialised training in arms handling and combat to prepare for terrorist operations.

Justice Omotosho further found him guilty of participating in the 2015 attacks on Maiduguri, an offence punishable by death under Section 2(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, and consequently sentenced him to death by hanging.

The trial, which is ordinarily conducted at the Kainji terrorism court in Niger State, was transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Speaking after the judgment, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who led the Federal Government’s prosecution team, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody,” Fagbemi said, adding that the government remains determined to eradicate terrorism and related crimes across the Country.