The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two men, Abba Mustapha and Bukar Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for providing support to the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group.
Justice Salim Ibrahim delivered the sentences on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after both defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges, according to reports by Channels Television and other Nigerian media outlets.
The court also imposed an additional 20-year prison term on each man for a separate count involving the concealment of information about the group’s activities.
The defendants were identified as Abba Mustapha, from Bori village in Borno State, and 41-year-old Bukar Ibrahim, also from Borno State. Both were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to court reports, the men admitted to providing logistical support to Boko Haram and concealing information connected to the terrorist organisation.
Justice Ibrahim sentenced each defendant to life imprisonment on the first count and 20 years’ imprisonment on the second count.
The convictions came as the Federal Government began another phase of mass trials involving suspects accused of terrorism and related offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The proceedings are being handled by several judges across different courtrooms, as authorities continue prosecuting individuals accused of supporting terrorist groups and facilitating their activities.
Reports indicated that at least 34 defendants were scheduled to appear before Justice Salim Ibrahim, while 25 others were listed for proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu during the latest phase of the exercise.
Other judges participating in the trials include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa and Joyce Abdulmalik.
The mass trials form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute suspects facing terrorism-related charges through the judicial system.
Boko Haram has waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria for more than a decade, contributing to widespread displacement, loss of lives and a prolonged humanitarian crisis, particularly in Borno State and neighbouring areas.
Security agencies have continued operations against the group and other armed organisations, while prosecutors have pursued cases involving alleged logistical assistance, financing and the concealment of information related to terrorist activities.
The latest sentences underscore the potential legal consequences for individuals convicted of supporting the proscribed group.
The court proceedings also highlight the role of the judiciary in determining criminal responsibility through formal trials and guilty pleas.
The sentences against Mustapha and Ibrahim were imposed following their admissions to the charges, according to published court reports.