12 Years After Nyanya Bombing, Court Sentences Convict To Death By Hanging

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced 37-year-old Zakaria Garba to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing that killed more than 70 people and injured dozens of others.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after Garba pleaded guilty to five terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The conviction was secured during the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects transferred from Kainji to Abuja.

The court sentenced Garba to 35 years imprisonment 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," Justice Omotosho told the convict while delivering the sentence.

According to court documents, Garba and other suspects still at large were found to have participated in planning and coordinating the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja in 2014 using explosive devices.

The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people and left several others with serious injuries.

The charges were filed under provisions of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

The court heard that Garba knowingly participated in the terrorist operation and was directly linked to the detonation of explosives at the motor park.

In addition to Garba's conviction, Justice Omotosho handed 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 15 years on another.

Isa Saleh received a 20-year prison term, while Tujan Mohammed was also sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Another defendant, Salisu Bala, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on one count but was discharged and acquitted on two other counts.

Speaking after the judgment, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to combating terrorism.

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

The verdict marks one of the most significant convictions linked to the 2014 Nyanya bombing, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever recorded in the Federal Capital Territory.