The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Abubakar Goni, a self-confessed member of the proscribed Boko Haram group, to 30 years’ imprisonment. Justice Binta Nyako delivered the sentence on Friday, October 16, 2026, after Goni admitted that he knowingly joined the terrorist organisation more than 15 years ago. Goni, who hails from Daira village in Gubi Local Government Area of Yobe State, was prosecuted by the Federal Government.
Goni faced a five-count charge involving membership of Boko Haram, training in the handling of AK-47 assault rifles, attacks on civilians and the alleged looting of food supplies to feed members of the group. He was also accused of participating in attacks on communities in the Republic of Niger before his arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2016. When the charges were read in court, Goni admitted belonging to Boko Haram but denied the other allegations.
Following his admission to the membership charge, Justice Nyako invoked Section 16(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2013, to impose the 30-year prison term. The sentence followed Goni’s admission that he belonged to the proscribed organisation. His denial of the other allegations remained part of the court proceedings, according to reports on the case.
Before the sentence was delivered, defence counsel Dauda Hassan appealed to the court to show leniency and impose the minimum punishment available under the law. Hassan argued that his client had voluntarily admitted the offence and had not wasted the court’s time by contesting the membership charge. The defence also asked the judge to consider that Goni was a first-time offender.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Nyako ordered that the 30-year term should run from 2016, when Goni was arrested by the DSS and placed in detention. The ruling means the period he has already spent in custody will count towards the sentence. The judge also directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facility where Goni will serve his prison term.
