Federal High Court Sentences Zakaria Garba to Death Over 2014 Nyanya Bombing
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced 37-year-old Zakaria Garba to death by hanging for his role in the deadly 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing, an attack that claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left many others injured.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho during the recently concluded Abuja mass trial of suspected terrorists.
Garba was convicted after pleading guilty to a five-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Court documents stated that he, alongside other suspects still at large, participated in the planning and execution of the devastating bombing at Nyanya Motor Park in the Federal Capital Territory.
Following his conviction, Justice Omotosho handed Garba different sentences across the charges: 35 years imprisonment on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death by hanging on counts four and five.
“May God have mercy on you,” the judge said after delivering the judgment.
According to the prosecution, Garba conspired with others to coordinate and carry out acts of terrorism using explosive devices, leading to mass casualties and injuries. The offences were prosecuted under provisions of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
The court found that Garba and his accomplices intentionally detonated explosives at the motor park with the aim of causing death and severe harm to members of the public. The attack ultimately resulted in one of Nigeria’s deadliest incidents, claiming over 70 lives.
Garba, who reportedly stated in his confessional statement that he previously sold tea and bread, was convicted under multiple sections of the anti-terrorism law.
The court also delivered judgments against several other defendants who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism-related charges. Ali Mohammed received prison terms of 25 and 15 years on two counts, while Isa Saleh and Tujan Mohammed were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Salisu Bala was sentenced to 20 years on one count but was acquitted on two others.
The mass trial, traditionally held in Kainji, Niger State, was relocated to Abuja for the proceedings.
Speaking after the judgment, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” he stated.
