- Safiu Kehinde
The Presidency has intensified information on trials and convictions of suspects amidst growing allegations of government treating terrorism with levity in Nigeria.
This is coming against the backdrop of the United States’ allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria as well as public outcry over the recent attacks and killings across the country.
Apparently in efforts to assure Nigerians and the international community of its commitment to fights against insecurity, the Presidency has been releasing updates on prosecution of suspects arrested and arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged terrorism acts.
As contained in a post shared on its official X handle on Thursday, the Presidency confirmed the conviction of arrested leader of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran.
According to the post, Ismaila was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on count one of his terrorism charge and 20 additional years on count two, three, and four of the charge.
He was found guilty of his involvement in the coordinated attack on Police Headquarters, Bompai, Kaduna State, and other facilities.
Also disclosed by the presidency was the prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi who alongside for others were arraigned over the August 2011 United Nations building bombing.
In the same vein, the presidency also gave updated on the arraigned suspects of the Owo church massacre, disclosing that the suspects are currently under prosecution on a nine-count charge.
Further cases included the Ansaru terrorists group leaders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, whose trial have been adjourned till 15th January.
Also, the ten arrested over the Benue and Plateau states killings are currently under prosecution as state’s by the Presidency.
Upcoming cases as contained in the post include the arraignment of recaptured ISWAP leader, Abdul Aziz Obadaki, who confessed masterminding the Owo church massacre and Deeper Life Church attack in Okene.
Also, a key manufacturer and supplier of arms and ammunition arrested in Plateau State, Musa Abubakar, is set to be arraigned before the court.
On the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Presidency disclosed the arrest and arraignment of nine key commanders linked to convicted leader of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa.
They were alleged to be receiving funds and material support from Ekpa and other foreign based IPOB members.
Key suspect in the case was identified as one Ibrahim Larabo, an illegal migrant from Niger Republic operating unlicensed BDC.
He was charged with terrorism financing of he proscribed group.