By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced 37-year-old Zakaria Garba to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombings. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment during the ongoing terrorism trials in Abuja on Friday. The court found Garba guilty of planning and carrying out the deadly attack that killed more than 70 people and injured many others. The Federal Government prosecuted the case as part of its renewed efforts to secure convictions against terrorism suspects.
Court Finds Garba Guilty on Multiple Terrorism Charges
Justice Omotosho sentenced Garba to 35 years imprisonment on counts one and two. He also imposed life imprisonment on count three. Furthermore, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on counts four and five.
While delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho said, “May God have mercy on you.”
Court documents revealed that Garba, a resident of Jambutu Park in Jimeta Local Government Area of Adamawa State, conspired with other suspects still at large to plan and coordinate the April 14, 2014, Nyanya Motor Park bombing.
The prosecution established that the attack involved explosive devices that killed more than 70 people and injured several others. The offence contravened Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
The court also found Garba guilty of intentionally detonating explosive devices at Nyanya Motor Park with the aim of causing death and serious injuries. That offence attracted the death penalty under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Other Terrorism Convicts Receive Prison Terms
The court also delivered judgments in several related terrorism cases.
In charge number FHC/KNJ/CR/1020/2026, Ali Mohammed received 25 years imprisonment on one count and 15 years on another.
Isa Saleh was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in charge FHC/KNJ/CR/973/2026.
Similarly, Tujan Mohammed received a 20-year jail term in charge FHC/KNJ/CR/954/2026.
In another ruling, Salisu Bala was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on one count in charge FHC/KNJ/CR/963/2026. However, the court discharged and acquitted him on two other counts.
Terrorism Trials Relocated to Abuja
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Federal Government moved the terrorism trials from Kainji, Niger State, to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice filed Garba’s case, marked FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026.
Federal Government Reaffirms Anti-Terrorism Commitment
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), led the prosecution team throughout the proceedings.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to eliminate terrorism across Nigeria.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” Fagbemi said.
The latest convictions form part of the government’s ongoing campaign to prosecute terrorism suspects and strengthen national security.
