Justice Served: Nyanya Bomb Blast Culprits Face Death Sentence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Zakaria Garba, a 37-year-old man, for his culpability in the devastating 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb explosions. The attacks, which occurred on the outskirts of Abuja, tragically resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 70 people and left numerous others with varying degrees of injuries. Justice James Omotosho presided over the judgment, which was delivered as part of the recently concluded Abuja mass trial of suspected terrorists.

Mr. Garba was convicted after he pleaded guilty to a five-count charge of terrorism-related offenses brought against him by the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice. The case, marked FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026, saw Justice Omotosho impose a combination of severe penalties on the defendant.

Specifically, Garba received a 35-year jail term for each of counts one and two. Count three, which detailed his role in knowingly conspiring with others, now at large, to commit acts of terrorism by planning and coordinating the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park through explosive devices, attracting a sentence of life imprisonment. This particular offense, which led to the deaths of over 70 persons and injuries to many more, is punishable under Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

The most severe penalties were reserved for counts four and five. In count four, Garba, identified from his confessional statement as a former tea and bread vendor, and his co-conspirators were found to have knowingly and intentionally caused the detonation of explosive devices at Nyanya Motor Park with the intent to inflict death and serious bodily harm on the public. This act resulted in the deaths of over 70 persons and injuries to several others, an offense punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. For this, Justice Omotosho imposed the death penalty. Similarly, count five, which also carried a capital punishment, charged Garba and others with participating in an act of terrorism by detonating explosives at the Nyanya Motor Park in 2014, causing the death of over 70 persons, an offense also punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. The judge concluded his pronouncements to Garba with the solemn words, “May God have mercy on you.”

The mass trial also saw other individuals linked to terrorism receiving various prison terms. Ali Mohammed, in charge FHC/KNJ/CR/1020/2026, was sentenced to 25 years in count one and 15 years in count two. Isa Saleh received a 20-year imprisonment for a one-count charge (FHC/KNJ/CR/973/2026). Tujan Mohammed was also given a 20-year jail term in his one-count charge (FHC/KNJ/CR/954/2026). Salisu Bala was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in count two of his charge (FHC/KNJ/CR/963/2026), though he was discharged and acquitted on counts one and three.

The trial, typically held at Kainji in Niger, was notably relocated to the Federal High Court in Abuja to facilitate these proceedings. Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation, who led the prosecution team, reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and its associated activities from Nigeria. He affirmed, “We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody.” This conviction forms a crucial part of broader governmental efforts to prosecute those involved in terrorism-related offenses and provide closure to the victims affected by such attacks across the country.