Federal High Court, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Isa Isiaka, a father of 11 children and husband to two wives, to 20 years imprisonment for failing to report Boko Haram activities to authorities.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako after Isiaka pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
According to court records, Isiaka was accused of deliberately concealing information that could have assisted security agencies in arresting members of the proscribed Boko Haram terrorist group. When the charge was read before the court, the defendant wasted no time in admitting his guilt.
“I am guilty as charged,” Isiaka told the court.
Prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, argued that withholding intelligence capable of disrupting terrorist activities poses a serious threat to national security.
According to the prosecution, the failure to provide such information allowed criminal elements to continue operating unchecked, thereby endangering lives and undermining efforts to combat insurgency.
During the proceedings, Isiaka appealed for mercy, drawing attention to his family responsibilities. He informed the court that he was a first-time offender, a father of 11 children, and husband to two wives who depended on him for survival.
However, Justice Nyako ruled that his personal circumstances could not excuse the offence.
“This plea is untenable. The law must take its course,” the judge declared.
The court subsequently sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine, stressing that terrorism-related offences attract severe penalties under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Legal observers say the judgment reinforces the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and holding accountable those who aid criminal groups through silence or concealment.
The ruling also serves as a strong warning that every citizen has a responsibility to cooperate with security agencies by reporting threats to public safety.
For many Nigerians, the case highlights the critical role community intelligence plays in the fight against terrorism and the consequences of withholding information that could save lives.
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