The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Abubakar Goni, a self-confessed member of Boko Haram, to 30 years’ imprisonment after he admitted knowingly joining the proscribed terrorist organisation more than 15 years ago.

Justice Binta Nyako handed down the sentence on Friday, October 16, 2026, after Goni admitted the charge of membership of the group.

Goni, who hails from Daira village in Gubi Local Government Area of Yobe State, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2016.

Defendant Admits Boko Haram Membership

The Federal Government filed a five-count charge against Goni over his alleged involvement in Boko Haram activities.

The charges included membership of the terrorist organisation, receiving training in the use of AK-47 rifles, launching attacks against civilians and looting food to feed members of the group.

He was also accused of participating in attacks on communities in neighbouring Niger Republic.

When the charges were read to him, Goni admitted belonging to Boko Haram but denied the other allegations.

Court Orders Sentence to Run From 2016

Following Goni’s admission, Justice Nyako invoked Section 16(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2013, to impose the 30-year prison sentence.

Before sentencing, defence counsel Dauda Hassan urged the court to temper justice with mercy and impose the minimum applicable punishment.

Hassan argued that his client had voluntarily admitted the offence and had not wasted the court’s time by contesting the membership charge.

The judge also considered Goni’s status as a first-time offender before ordering that the sentence should run from 2016, when he was arrested and detained by the DSS.

The order means the period Goni has already spent in detention will count towards his prison term.

Ministry to Determine Correctional Facility

Justice Nyako directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facility where Goni would serve his sentence.

The case forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing prosecution of individuals accused of involvement in terrorism and insurgency-related activities.

Although Goni admitted membership of Boko Haram, he denied the other allegations, including weapons training and attacks on civilians.