The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced Hussaini Isma’il, a notorious Boko Haram commander popularly known as Maitangaran, to 20 years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Tuesday, finding Isma’il guilty on all four counts brought against him by the Federal Government. Although the cumulative sentence amounted to 75 years—15 years on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three, and four—the court ordered that the terms run concurrently, effectively making the jail term 20 years. The sentence takes effect from the date of his arrest.
Justice Nwite further directed that after completing his prison term, Isma’il must undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation at an appropriate government-approved centre before being reintegrated into society.
Isma’il, once a defiant defendant who pleaded not guilty, made a sudden U-turn during Tuesday’s proceedings following the presentation of overwhelming video evidence by the prosecution. The footage, played in open court, showed him addressing and directing Boko Haram fighters during violent attacks. His change of plea came after the testimony of the fifth prosecution witness.
His lawyer, P. B. Onijah of the Legal Aid Council, pleaded for leniency, arguing that Isma’il was remorseful and chose not to waste the court’s time.
The trial, which initially began before retired Justice Anwuli Chikere, faced multiple delays due to appeals and a trial-within-trial held to determine the voluntariness of Isma’il’s statements. When the case resumed, five prosecution witnesses—including two DSS operatives and two eyewitnesses—testified against him.
The amended charge, filed on October 3, 2023, accused the 34-year-old of Brithi village, Biu LGA, Borno State, of:
- Professing membership of Boko Haram in 2018
- Participating in the deadly attack on Kano Central Mosque in 2016
- Attacking a Mobile Police Base in Kabuga, Kano, in 2014
- Attacking Ungwa Uku Police Station, Kano, also in 2014
These offences violate Sections 1(2)(a)(e) and 16(1) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Justice Nwite concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction and sentencing of the Boko Haram leader.
