Court sentences 37‑year‑old suspect of Nyanya bomb blast to death by hanging

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced 37‑year‑old Zakaria Garba to death by hanging on Friday for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb explosions.

The attacks killed at least 70 people and injured many others.

Justice James Omotsoho delivered the judgment during the Abuja mass trial of suspected terrorists, also imposing a life sentence on Garba for a separate count of the five‑count charge.

Garba had pleaded guilty to all five counts brought by the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the judgment was delivered on Tuesday in charge number FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026, filed by the office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The judge sentenced Garba to 35 years in prison for counts one and two, a life term for count three, and death for counts four and five.

“May God have mercy on you,” the judge said.

In count three, which carried a life sentence, Garba—identified as a resident of Jambutu Park, Jimeta Local Government Area of Adamawa—and other suspects were alleged to have conspired in 2014 to plan and coordinate the Nyanya Motor Park bombing, which caused the deaths of more than 70 people and injuries to several others. The offense is punishable under Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

Count four, also punishable by death, involved Garba and others who, according to a confessional statement, had previously sold tea and bread. They were accused of intentionally detonating explosives at Nyanya Motor Park in 2014 with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, resulting in over 70 deaths and multiple injuries. This offense is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

Count five, which also carried the death penalty, charged Garba and other suspects with participating in an act of terrorism that caused the death of more than 70 people by detonating explosives. The offense is likewise punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

Justice Omotsoho also imposed sentences on other terrorists who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism charges.

Ali Mohammed, in charge number FHC/KNJ/CR/1020/2026, received 25 years for count one and 15 years for count two.

Isa Saleh was sentenced to 20 years in a single‑count charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/973/2026.

Tujan Mohammed, in charge FHC/KNJ/CR/954/2026, was given a 20‑year term for the one count preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Salisu Bala was convicted and sentenced to 20 years for count two but was discharged and acquitted in counts one and three under charge FHC/KNJ/CR/963/2026.

NAN reported that the trial, normally held in Kainji, Niger, was moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Attorney‑General of the Federation Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led the prosecution team, said the government was determined to eradicate terrorism and its related activities from the country.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody.”

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