A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Al-Nigeri and Abu Baraa, on all 32 counts of terrorism and kidnapping charges.
The conviction was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite after the two defendants changed their pleas to guilty during proceedings.
Following their guilty plea on Monday, the court entered the convictions in line with Section 274(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which empowers a court to convict an accused person who admits to the charges against them.
Justice Nwite held that the provision of the law was clear and left no ambiguity once the defendants had voluntarily pleaded guilty to the offences.
“The defendants having pleaded guilty are hereby convicted on all 32 counts,” the judge stated.
The two Ansaru commanders were facing charges bordering on terrorism and kidnapping, including multiple acts of violence and abductions linked to their activities as members of the extremist group.
The conviction marks the conclusion of the trial phase, with the court expected to proceed to sentencing.