Abuja Court Condemns Boko Haram Operative Alkali Yarima to Execution for 2015 Maiduguri Carnage

An Abuja Federal High Court has condemned Alkali Yarima, identified as La’ari and a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, to d3ath by hanging. The sentence was passed on Friday for his involvement in the 2015 assaults on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, also handed Yarima a life sentence for count six, which related to undergoing weapons training to prepare for acts of terrorism. Furthermore, the court imposed a 35-year jail term on one count, 30 years for count five, and 10 years for each of counts two, three, and four.

The federal government had brought seven charges against Yarima in the case designated FHC/KNJ/CR/971/2026. These charges were formally submitted by Rotimi Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on May 29.

Count one, which resulted in a 35-year prison sentence, detailed Mr. Yarima’s affiliation with the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist organization. According to the charge, Yarima, bearing Chest Number: 1636 and from the Lawanti Area of Mafa Local Government Area in Borno, openly declared and maintained his membership with the group from 2009 until his arrest in 2015. He was also accused of embracing “Da’awah from Mohammed Yusuf (founder of Boko Haram).” This particular offence falls under Section 16 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

For count six, which earned him a life sentence, the prosecution alleged that the convict “engaged in conduct in preparation to commit terrorist acts when he travelled to an Arab country for training on arms and weapon handling.” This action contravenes and is punishable under Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

Count seven, the most severe charge, led to the death penalty. Here, the federal government accused the terrorist of perpetrating acts of terrorism through his participation in the Maiduguri attacks. This crime is in violation of and punishable under Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the legal proceedings, typically held in Kainji, Niger State, were relocated to the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja for this case. Leading the federal government’s prosecution, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi affirmed the government's resolve to eradicate terrorism and associated criminal acts nationwide. The minister declared, “We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe place for everybody.”