Five terrorists on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja have been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each for their complicity in the terror attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

Following their sentencing, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) rejected the planned amnesty for ‘repentant’ terrorists in the country and instead demanded their full prosecution before any talk of amnesty.

This was as Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, condemned the spate of insecurity in the country, warning that unless urgent and decisive measures were taken by the Federal Government to address the situation, Nigeria might face serious social, political and security consequences that could threaten its national stability and cohesion.

The five convicts include two Nigeriens and their three Nigerian based in Borgu Local Council of Niger State. They are Yusuf Mohammed (a.k.a. Bature), Goni Bindi (a.k.a. Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (a.k.a. Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Gado Banufe).

Justice Binta Nyako ordered their imprisonment yesterday when they were arraigned before her on four terrorism charges and instantly they pleaded guilty to the charges.

In counts one and two, which bordered on conspiracy and rendering services to members of the Boko Haram in Niger, the Judge slammed 25 years each on the five accused persons.

In count three, in which four of them pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms, Justice Nyako sentenced Goni Mutuwa, Danladi, Ibrahim and Gado Banufe to seven years each.

Similarly, in count four, the 1st defendant, Bature, who admitted concealing information on the activities of the Boko Haram members in a forest in Niger, was jailed 25 years.

Aside from their imprisonment, Justice Nyako ordered that the Golf car used to convey the 15 AK-103 rifles from the Niger Republic to Nigeria be forfeited to the Federal Government along with the firearms.

Following their admission of guilt, the prosecution counsel prayed that the defendants be convicted as charged and also sought the court’s permission to tender, from the bar, the forwarding letter, which contained the investigation report and the defendants’ statements, to which the defence counsel had no objection.

Nyako ordered that they should serve their terms in a place designated by the Minister of the Interior.

THE National President, Dr Wale Oke, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against killings and kidnappings nationwide during a visit to Calabar.

Oke, who stated this on arrival at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, yesterday, for the 70th birthday of Bishop (Mrs) Ofonmbuk Archibong, rejected the idea of “repentant terrorists” entirely. Arguing that “there’s nothing like repentant terrorists”, he asserted that “justice must be served before any talk of repentance.”

The bishop, who urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against killings and kidnappings nationwide, said he was in Calabar with his delegation “in the name of the Lord to bless the state, the government and the good people of Cross River.”

He also thanked PFN Chairman in the state, Dr Trinity Ogar, for the reception.

He insisted that violent criminals must face full legal consequences. “There is no expiry date on killing or murder. You kill people. You kidnap children. You go to jail and spend your life behind bars. So, if you are repenting, go and repent in prison,” calling for the terminology “repentant terrorists” to be abolished.

RELATEDLY, Afenifere noted that Nigeria remains a nation of immense potential, blessed with abundant human and natural resources, stressing that the country’s future stability and prosperity depend on the willingness of its leaders to confront present challenges with courage, sincerity and urgency.

In a communiqué issued by its United States (U.S.) wing, Afenifere Diaspora USA, yesterday, after a general meeting of its members, the organisation warned that the combination of worsening insecurity, widespread economic hardship and growing public dissatisfaction represents a dangerous cocktail capable of undermining national stability if left unaddressed.

It urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively to restore public confidence, secure lives and property, revive the economy, strengthen democratic institutions and provide hope for millions of Nigerians who continue to endure difficult circumstances.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether the nation moves towards greater unity, prosperity and progress or drifts towards deeper instability and uncertainty,” it said.

In the communiqué, signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sikiru Fadairo; Vice Chairman, Frank Adetu and Secretary, David Adenekan, the group noted: “Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”

It expressed serious concern that insecurity continues to spread across various regions of the country despite repeated assurances from government officials that the situation is under control.

The organisation, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take decisive and measurable action to curb the escalating insecurity being perpetrated by terrorists, militia groups and other violent criminal elements operating across the country. (The Guardian News)

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