The Nyanya bomb blast convict, Zakaria Garba, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Federal High Court in Abuja for his role in the deadly 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing.
The attack, which occurred in Abuja, claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left several others injured.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment during the recently concluded mass trial of terrorism suspects. The court found Garba guilty after he pleaded guilty to all five counts filed against him by the Federal Government.
Nyanya Bomb Blast Convict Receives Multiple Sentences
The Nyanya bomb blast convict, a 37-year-old resident of Adamawa State, received different sentences on the five-count charge.
Justice Omotosho sentenced him to 35 years imprisonment each on counts one and two. He was also handed life imprisonment on count three.
In addition, the court imposed the death penalty on counts four and five.
While delivering the judgment, the judge told the convict, “May God have mercy on you.”
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Court Details Terrorism Charges
According to court records, Garba and other suspects currently at large conspired to carry out acts of terrorism at Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja in 2014.
The prosecution said the group planned and coordinated the bombing through the use of explosive devices.
The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people and caused injuries to many others.
The offences were prosecuted under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.
Furthermore, prosecutors argued that Garba knowingly participated in the detonation of explosives with the intention of causing death and serious bodily harm to members of the public.
Other Terrorism Suspects Also Convicted
The court also sentenced several other terrorism suspects who pleaded guilty to separate charges.
Ali Mohammed received a 25-year prison sentence on one count and an additional 15-year jail term on another count.
Similarly, Isa Saleh was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to a terrorism-related offence.
Another defendant, Tujan Mohammed, was also handed a 20-year prison term.
Meanwhile, Salisu Bala received a 20-year sentence on one count. However, the court discharged and acquitted him on two other counts.
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Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment Against Terrorism
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the Federal Government’s legal team during the proceedings.
Speaking after the judgment, Fagbemi reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate terrorism and related criminal activities across the country.
According to him, authorities will continue to pursue individuals involved in terrorism and ensure they face justice.
He stressed that the government remains committed to making Nigeria safe for all citizens.
Significance of the Judgment
The conviction of the Nyanya bomb blast convict marks another major step in the prosecution of individuals linked to one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
The judgment also sends a strong message about the consequences of terrorism and reinforces ongoing efforts to improve national security.
Observers believe the ruling demonstrates the government’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable regardless of how much time has passed since the crime was committed.
The sentencing of Zakaria Garba brings a significant chapter in the 2014 Nyanya bombing case closer to closure.
With multiple prison terms, life imprisonment, and a death sentence imposed, the court has delivered one of the strongest judgments in recent terrorism-related cases.
Authorities have pledged to continue the fight against terrorism while ensuring justice for victims and their families.
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