The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging for his role in the deadly 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb attack that claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left scores of others injured.
Justice James Omotosho handed down the sentence after Garba pleaded guilty to a five-count charge bordering on terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Delivering judgment, the court imposed varying penalties on the convict across the different counts. Garba was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death by hanging on counts four and five, which related directly to the execution of the bombing operation.
Addressing the convict after pronouncing the sentence, Justice Omotosho remarked, “May God have mercy on you.”
According to court documents, Garba and several accomplices who remain at large were accused of conspiring to carry out acts of terrorism by planning and coordinating the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja using explosive devices.
The prosecution stated that the attack resulted in the deaths of over 70 persons, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The incident remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks recorded in the Federal Capital Territory.
In counts four and five, the Federal Government alleged that Garba and his co-conspirators detonated explosive materials at the busy motor park with the intention of causing death, serious bodily harm, and widespread destruction.
The court held that the charges were supported by the defendant’s guilty plea and the evidence presented by the prosecution, leading to the severe penalties imposed.
Justice Omotosho also delivered judgments in the cases of several other defendants who admitted to separate terrorism-related offences.
One of the convicts, Ali Mohammed, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on count one and an additional 15 years on count two. Isa Saleh and Tujan Mohammed were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.
Another defendant, Salisu Bala, received a 20-year prison sentence on count two. However, the court discharged and acquitted him on counts one and three after finding insufficient grounds to sustain those charges.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who personally led the prosecution team, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to combat terrorism and strengthen national security.
He stated that the government would continue to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in terrorist activities, stressing that authorities remain committed to protecting lives and property across the country.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” Fagbemi declared.
The judgment is being viewed as a significant milestone in the long-running legal process arising from the Nyanya Motor Park bombing, which shocked the nation and underscored the devastating impact of terrorism on civilian populations.
