BREAKING: Federal High Court Sentences Nyanya Bombing Convict to Death by Hanging

• A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Zakaria Garba to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing that killed more than 70 people.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a man convicted for his role in the deadly 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing to death by hanging, bringing a major chapter in one of Nigeria’s deadliest terror attacks to a close.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Friday, sentencing 37-year-old Zakaria Garba after he pleaded guilty to a five-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

The Nyanya Motor Park bombing, which occurred in 2014 on the outskirts of Abuja, claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left several others with varying degrees of injuries.

Garba, who hails from Jambutu Park in the Jimeta area of Adamawa State, was convicted on all five counts brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho sentenced the convict to 35 years imprisonment each on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death by hanging on counts four and five.

“May God have mercy on you,” the judge said after pronouncing the sentence.

According to court documents, Garba and other suspects still at large were found guilty of conspiring to carry out acts of terrorism by planning and coordinating the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park through the use of explosive devices.

The prosecution stated that the attack resulted in the deaths of over 70 people and left many others injured.

The offence was said to be punishable under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

In counts four and five, which attracted the death sentence, Garba and his accomplices were accused of knowingly detonating explosive devices at the motor park with the intention of causing death and serious bodily harm to members of the public.

The court held that the actions directly resulted in the mass casualties recorded during the attack.

During investigations, Garba reportedly stated in his confessional statement that he worked as a tea and bread seller before becoming involved in the terrorist activities.

The judgment formed part of the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects being prosecuted by the Federal Government.

Justice Omotosho also handed down prison sentences to several other defendants who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism-related offences.

Ali Mohammed was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on one count and an additional 15 years on another count in a separate case.

Similarly, Isa Saleh received a 20-year prison sentence, while Tujan Mohammed was also jailed for 20 years after pleading guilty to terrorism charges.

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In another case, Salisu Bala was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on one count but was discharged and acquitted on two other counts due to insufficient evidence.

The trials, which are usually conducted in Kainji, Niger State, were moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” he said.

The verdict is being viewed as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice and provide closure for victims and families affected by the devastating Nyanya bombing.