Justice Salim Ibrahim handed down the sentences after the defendants, Abba Mustapha, from Bori village in Borno State, and 41-year-old Bukar Ibrahim, also from Borno State, pleaded guilty to charges of providing logistical support to the terrorist group and concealing information.
The judge sentenced each man to life imprisonment on the first count and an additional 20 years on the second count.
The sentences were handed down during the latest phase of the Federal Government’s mass trials of suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court, which began on Thursday and is ongoing across several courtrooms.
Other judges handling the cases include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu. At least 34 defendants were listed before Justice Ibrahim, while 25 were listed before Justice Lifu.
In July, the Federal Government announced the resumption of trials involving suspects linked to terrorism and other serious offences against the state, describing the exercise as part of its commitment to promoting social justice through a transparent judicial process.
The government said the trials were being conducted by the Federal High Court in line with international criminal justice standards, with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation working alongside other stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser.
It also disclosed that more than 300 suspects were facing trial, with five judges presiding over five courts established to facilitate the speedy determination of terrorism-related cases.
In April, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 386 defendants accused of terrorism following four days of mass trials. They received prison sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment, depending on the gravity of their offences.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said 508 defendants had been arraigned before 10 courts during the exercise. He added that eight defendants had been discharged, while two others had been acquitted.
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