Hamatu Modu, a significant food supplier to Boko Haram militants in Borno State, was given a 40-year prison sentence by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja for his involvement in terrorism-related operations.
Through the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Government brought charges against Modu.
The defendant was charged with four counts after publicly admitting to providing food and information to the terrorist organization.
When the charges were read to him, he entered a guilty plea.
Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the Federation’s Director of Public Prosecution, was reportedly in charge of the prosecution.
In his ruling, Justice Nyako condemned Modu to ten years in prison for each of the four charges.
But once the defense attorney made a plea, the court mandated that the sentences be served concurrently, so lowering the overall term to ten years.
In a related event, Isah Ali, another food supplier, was found guilty by the court of similar offenses connected to terrorist activity in Borno State.
Ali admitted to committing the crime and was given a 10-year prison sentence.
The court decided that his sentence would start on the day of his arrest, which was three years ago.
After serving their sentences, Justice Nyako also ordered that both prisoners participate in rehabilitation and deradicalization programs.
The Federal Ministry of Interior was also directed by the court to choose the prisons where the offenders would serve their sentences.
